Unlike the other articles that I’ve covered, I’d like to begin this one on a personal note. In my experience as a writer at BBFS (Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools), I've had the pleasure of inte
Unlike the other articles that I’ve covered, I’d like to begin this one on a personal note. In my experience as a writer at BBFS (Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools), I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with different members of the team on several occasions. And when I ask them about their favourite thing about working at the company, the response remains consistent – the supportive and respectful environment.
Which brings us to the crux of the matter.
In the world of business, success isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about the beating heart that fuels every operation: company culture.
During a recent conversation with Founder CEO Kishore Taid, we explored the essence of culture and why it stands at the core of organizational triumph. What emerged was a profound understanding of how BBFS has harnessed the power of culture to propel its journey towards excellence.
Quoting a line from Ben Horowitz’s book, ‘What You Do Is Who You Are’, Kishore describes company culture as “how people behave when no one is looking.”
For Kishore, culture isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of the organization. He sheds light on how BBFS’s culture is deeply rooted in a set of core values and beliefs that guide every decision and action within the company. As we probe further into BBFS’s work ethos, Kishore sheds light on the vision of cultivating an environment grounded in mutual understanding and constructive behaviour. With unwavering conviction, he says, “The culture that we want to build here, within the company, is a deep understanding of what sort of behaviour each one of us in the company wants with each other.”
Promoting Knowledge Sharing
A key pillar of BBFS’s culture is its emphasis on mentorship and collective growth. Kishore underscored the significance of creating an environment where individuals feel supported and empowered to pursue their professional and personal aspirations.
At BBFS, every team member is not just a cog in the machine but a valued contributor to the larger tapestry of success. He articulates, “It is a knowledge-based, mentorship-based, and coaching-based culture that we wish to implement.” This focus on learning together and growing as a team highlights BBFS’s approach to nurturing talent and fostering intellectual development.
Challenges and Solutions
While acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a culture of trust amidst external pressures, Kishore candidly confesses, “Every now and then we do encounter situations where we fail to assess each other properly.” However, he underscores the importance of open communication and mutual respect in navigating these challenges.
He outlines the proactive measures taken by BBFS to address conflicts and promote alignment. Weekly discussions and structured conflict resolution processes are key strategies employed to maintain harmony and focus within the organization. He also mentions that if they respectfully feel like they can’t align, they choose to go separate ways.
Moreover, Kishore shed light on the challenges of cultivating a culture that transcends fear and greed, emphasizing the importance of aligning individuals with the organization’s values. While acknowledging the occasional hurdles, Kishore proudly reflects on the resilience and dedication required to uphold BBFS’s cultural essence.
Abolishing Traditional Hierarchy
In a bold departure from conventional organizational structures, BBFS has abolished traditional managerial roles. Kishore emphasizes the role of every individual in nurturing a culture of understanding and support. “It’s not about managing people,” he remarks, “but about helping each other grow intellectually and emotionally.” This radical paradigm shift underscores BBFS’s unwavering commitment to fostering autonomy, trust, and self-direction among its team members.
Navigating Individual Differences
Despite BBFS’s concerted efforts to foster alignment, Kishore acknowledges the inherent diversity of individual perspectives. He reflects, “Some individuals may struggle to adapt.” However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining open dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving conflicts. He articulates, “In such cases, open communication and mutual respect guide the process of resolution.”
Having said that, BBFS, as an institution, has profound appreciation for the nurturing and inclusive work culture. From executives to interns, each individual echoed the sentiment that BBFS isn’t just a workplace; it’s a community where everyone is valued and empowered to excel.
The Motivator
Helping new joiners feel comfortable involves helping them recognise that beyond the conventional motivators of fear and greed, there exists a third: understanding. Kishore stresses this point, highlighting how understanding the relevance of their tasks can motivate employees without the stressors.
To support this perspective, BBFS focuses on educating its team members, including new joiners, about this concept. By doing so, they aim to empower individuals to approach their work with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, free from the constraints of fear and greed.
As we draw the curtains on this insightful interaction, it becomes abundantly clear that culture isn’t just a term coined randomly at BBFS; it’s a guiding principle that permeates every aspect of its operations. With a steadfast commitment to fostering understanding, collaboration, and growth, BBFS continues to set new benchmarks in organizational culture. As Kishore aptly puts it, “The journey towards building a thriving culture is ongoing, and the dialogue surrounding it is integral to the company’s success.”
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