Companies managing to improve only incrementally compared to others achieving much better results can work wonders by adopting the 'STAR' culture, says management thinker Subir Chowdhury.
According to him, what distinguishes one organisation from another is its culture - its people. The best processes and training programmes in the world will not succeed, unless organisations nurture the skills, loyalty and passion of the people who make up their workforce - from the C-suite to the shop floor.
Chowdhury has come up with a book "The Difference: When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough", published by Penguin Random House, in which he cites examples from his own life and career to illustrate why having a "caring mindset" is essential for both personal and professional success.
What is a caring mindset and culture? It is one built on what Chowdhury calls "STAR" attributes: straightforwardness, thoughtfulness, accountability, and resolve.
Chowdhury says his book is aimed at overcoming a fallacy that many people, in today's hectic, demanding times, have succumbed to - that good enough is good enough.
"While the ideas in this book emerged from my personal experience, and my experiences in the field of quality improvement, its lessons are universal. I believe they apply to everyone, both in their business careers and in their lives outside of work," he says.
The book is written for students, stay-at-home parents, shopkeepers, public servants, teachers - anyone who wants to make a difference in their organisation and in their lives, he says.
The author shares stories that are drawn from both his personal life as well as his work career, consulting with many of America's Fortune 100 companies and senior executives.
"I believe that when you practice the four aspects of a caring mindset, you will inspire others to do so as well, and ultimately help to create a STAR culture throughout your organisation and community.
"Practice them until your caring mindset has no off switch. Own them - make them yours. When you do, you will inspire everyone around you to do the same. The principles, after all, are contagious. You can be the difference," he suggests.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
