The word "Ahimsa" denotes an attitude, a way of life that brings with it the intention to leave a situation in a better state than before. The individual who moves through life in a state of Ahimsa has developed an awareness and clarity that facilitate the effective combination of power, correct action, and compassion.

We may find it relatively simple to conduct ourselves in accordance with Ahimsa when in the presence of those we love, those whose well-being is of importance to us. The ability to operate with grace and compassion may come easily with thos to whom we feel connected in a profound way. The telling question, however, is whether we can maintain that "do no harm" attitude when dealing with people around whom we feel competitive, intimidated, or irritated; people whose choices and values seem difficult to understand, perhaps even foolish or dangerous.

Ahimsa, in its truest sense, is not just a way of doing things but rather a way of being. Ideally, when an individual makes the conscious choice to manifest Ahimsa in any area of his/her life, that way of being quickly begins to be evidenced throughout all aspects of the individual’s experience. Therefore, the individual who chooses to live according to Ahimsa at home can find that, in a relatively short period of time, the "do no harm" state has become the foundation of his/her professional experience also.

So, how does Ahimsa apply to business? How do we, with intention, choose the Ahimsa way of life in an environment in which competition is evident everywhere, the bottom line is the primary focus, and individuals are often considered expendable?

The short answer is that when we are secure and aware enough to shift our focus from ourselves as separate entities struggling to make sure we get enough (recognition, respect, money, power, etc.) to ourselves as part of a greater whole in which there is no need for struggle, we are free to function as professionals committed to Ahimsa. From that place of freedom and commitment we can generate optimum performance (from ourselves and others) with no damage to those around us. We can provide the highest quality products and services without needing to cast aspersions in the direction of our competitors. The focus becomes that of the greater good rather than our own individual satisfaction. When we have honed and refined the ability to honor and esteem everyone and everything around us, no matter how different they may be from us, and to recognize the variety of ways in which we are connected, it becomes much less likely that we will do harm, consciously or unconsciously, in any area of our lives.

This is not meant to imply that the satisfaction of the individual is unimportant. The most happily productive people are those who have identified the elements necessary for their own fulfillment, and have then learned to find those elements within. Those who have developed this art no longer waste time and energy expecting their external environment to be the sole source of their satisfaction, but rather can fully channel their energy into accomplishing the goals of the organization, contributing to the greater good.

One of the areas in which the presence or absence of Ahimsa is most acutely felt is that of organizational consulting. The resistance to consultants often encountered in organizations is born of disappointing and even painful experiences in which consultants, operating from their own personal or professional agendas, have eased (or barged) their way into a client organization without an Ahimsa mindset from which to provide service. Without the guidelines of "do no harm" the frequent result is a consultant striving to impose his/her own values on the organization in unconscious ways that can be interpreted as lack of understanding, arrogance, and disrespect. The further result is often a client, dissatisfied and angry, who has been left to clean up the mess caused by a consultant who was determined to "fix" the client rather than to, according to Ahimsa, empower the client to move with grace into the process of organizational transformation.

The benefits of doing business from a perspective of Ahimsa are numerous and compelling. In an environment characterized by this attitude and the respect it generates, employees are more likely to bring their full attention and a high level of energy to the job at hand. Because an organization shaped by the Ahimsa perspective feels different than those that are not, there tends to be greater eagerness to achieve and a higher level of loyalty from employees. This can lead to improved efficiency and productivity that will, of course, positively impact the bottom line. Employees who have observed management operating from this extraordinary viewpoint will tend to feel much more confident in offering ideas, presenting constructive suggestions, and volunteering to assist in areas outside their usual realm. Management leading by the attitude and behaviors of Ahimsa can function from an expanded, more comprehensive outlook rather than one that is narrow and limiting.

All of the above can have an immediate affect on an organization’s working relationships with its clients or customers. The intangibles that accompany such an attitude go a long way in creating client/customer relationships that continue beyond an initial transaction into repeat business. Whether or not it’s a conscious awareness, clients quickly sense the values that form the foundation of a vendor’s organization, and their level of comfort in doing business with that vendor will be shaped by that awareness.

The Ahimsa way of doing business is not a handholding, soft, or "touchy-feely" proposition. It requires the courage that comes with a more profound sense of purpose and a greater awareness of one’s own place in things. The commitment to develop, live, and do business by the perspective of "do no harm" can ensure that our experience of and success in all aspects of our lives, personal and professional, will be greatly enhanced because we will have changed.

Susan Schachterle

Susan Schachterle, Director of the Ahimsa Center for Transformation and the Ahimsa Group, has worked in the area of human potential and spiritual development for over 17 years. She believes wholeheartedly in the capacity of the individual to create the reality he/she desires by 1.) recognizing his/her true nature; 2.) developing the ability to focus attention and energy in the most appropriate and powerful directions; 3.) ensuring the alignment of internal images, language, goals, values, and actions. When an organization is made up of individuals who have developed these tools, that organization, no matter what its size or area of endeavor, becomes a force majeure, an entity of power and determination. It is the belief and experience of the Ahimsa Group that we have only scratched the surface of the power and possibility inherent in the human mind and heart. As we continue to uncover and implement more and more of that power, as we recognize more and more the full range of possibilities available to us, we can make a compelling contribution to the quality of life on this planet.

Ms. Schachterle has written several books and recorded numerous audio programs addressing excellence, mastery, and spiritual development. She speaks and teaches nationally and internationally.

"I have become much more comfortable and effective since working with Susan on my speaking style.  I now prepare for training engagements more efficiently and with greater confidence.  Susan knows the practical steps to emotional well-being."

Monica M., Visual Journalism Faculty
The Poynter Institute
St. Petersburg, Florida

"Susan is a wonderful coach.  I found myself reaching new heights and insights through one-on-one coaching sessions.  I got such good results from her coaching (I doubled my business in 12 months) that I began bringing Susan in to work with clients.  Susan has increased my ability and capacity and she has helped my clients as well."

Greg Z., President Westwood International
Boston, Massachusetts

"Susan has made a definite impact on my life.  She has an innate ability to determine a person's or organization's needs and how best to approach and work with that individual or organization to facilitate success.  Her goal orientation leads to identifiable milestones which generate feelings of success and progress."

Judith S., President Segues to Success
Boulder, Colorado