MLM can be a force for good far outside the monetary reasons people consider this model. In today’s world for disinformation, division, isolation and suspicion, if can be a hard pill for many sceptics to swallow that a working environment can be positive, in your control and – let’s be brave here – even feel joyful. No, I am not talking ‘happy clappy brigade’ but I am talking about finding a company where your individuality is embraced and not erased. (‘Can’t wear your cross/turban/hijab to work for fear of upsetting someone – not least your boss’). I am talking about a company where your culture, background and experiences are seen as part of a rich tapestry of life to be embraced, not squashed. As Simon Sinek* noted, for a company to survive, you need to start with the why. And of course, even MLM companies need to balance the books but consider, when you have a volunteer army of participants, you have to bring them with you. The values here have to be on show, loud and proud. Values of inclusivity, warmth, support and belonging. Plus a wee bit of fun! Why does this matter now? Just look around you. Heads down, phones out! From parents pushing toddlers in buggies, through teens leaving the school gates (oh the agony of being without a phone for 6 whole hours! What have I missed?!). To the sporadic surveys* over the last few years researching loneliness, to the wailing of hands that the current trajectory of our GDP will never allow us to build and protect the society we deserve and need. Our current ways of working in traditional professions and business are just not cutting it. Take the recent report into midwifery in Nottingham*. What an inditement of callousness and unkindness. Similarly the northern child sex abuse scandals; is society fragmented; are we advised to keep quiet? ‘If you don’t like it, leave’. I remember being told quite bluntly in a staff meeting. Poor management is endemic. When will we nationally recognise that our workforce is our best asset and needs to be nurtured (not pampered), valued, educated and respected. I have found that in good MLM companies that is understood.  If you are a business coach, business leader, manager, educator, head of a family, parent, footballer or politician what lessons and behaviours are you demonstrating? How can we improve our society and communities? Perhaps we can take a leaf out of good MLM companies and respect, embrace and lift up our colleagues. It could make for a better life for us all. References Simon Sinek ‘Start with the why’. The European Commission’s Pilot Project on "Monitoring Loneliness in Europe’ Diana Ockenden ‘Maternity Review’. ‘Common Ground’ a Radio 4 exploration of how divided we are. www.foreverliving.com

Job for Life