Variety might be the spice of life, but it is an essential ingredient for fostering innovation and creativity within teams
As a leader who believes in empowering the younger generation, my focus is on creating an environment where growth and learning are prioritized over perfection. Mistakes are inevitable, but it’s our responsibility as leaders to guide and correct our teams, helping them learn and improve. The goal is not to chase unattainable perfection, but to strive for excellence through continuous improvement. I encourage everyone to always aim for better results, recognizing that progress is more important than perfection.
I see a diverse team as akin to an Indian thali—each element brings its own unique flavor, contributing to the overall richness of the organization. Variety truly is the spice of life, and it is essential for fostering innovation and creativity within our teams. We have seen very encouraging results in our organisation.
When it comes to hiring, I prioritize understanding a person’s attitude over their skills or qualifications. Skills can be taught and refined, but a positive, adaptable attitude is what truly drives success. Interestingly, even with this approach, I’ve found that about half of my hiring decisions have been successful, highlighting the unpredictability and complexity of human potential.
Storytelling has become a vital trait of modern leadership. As Jason Jennings aptly puts it, leadership is often about storytelling—engaging, inspiring, and leading others through compelling narratives. Equally important is the concept of followership, which is just as crucial as leadership in any organization. It’s about recognizing the value of those who support and implement the vision of leaders, creating a dynamic where everyone contributes to the overall success.
At Bharat Fritz Werner (BFW), our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is a core value. We believe that a mix of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches the organization and drives innovation. This approach not only supports individual growth but also strengthens our collective capacity to meet the challenges of an evolving business landscape.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusivity: Women in the Workforce
Leadership within the women’s workforce is a critical focus for us. We’ve already seeing promising development across our organisation and we will soon have 30% of our workforce comprised of young women.
It’s uncommon to see young women operating heavy machinery, and this initiative will not only be innovative but also a unique experience in the industry. By empowering these young women to take on roles traditionally dominated by men, we aim to break stereotypes and pave the way for a more inclusive workforce. This effort aligns with our broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that our leadership reflects the changing dynamics of the modern workforce.
Innovating for a Smarter Future: M2nxt
The manufacturing industry today must evolve to become smarter and more efficient. In line with this vision, BFW launched M2nxt in 2019 to address the industry’s growing need for smart solutions—from products and processes to people. M2nxt focuses on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, cobots, robotics, and Industry 4.0, enabling higher productivity and efficiency. This initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Indian companies, empowering them to become true global players in the manufacturing space. At BFW, we believe that diversity is key to driving innovation, and M2nxt embodies our commitment to creating a smarter and more inclusive future for the industry.
Looking Ahead: The LEAP Initiative
Encouraged by the positive outcomes of our BFW 2.0 initiative, in 2022, we recognized that with our capabilities and the favourable economic conditions in India, it was time to embark on our next journey for 2023-2030. To guide us on this path, we developed a strategic initiative called LEAP, aimed at fostering holistic growth toward 2030. LEAP stands for Leadership through Ethical Behaviour, Agile Practices, and Partnerships. Through this initiative, we aim to secure a leadership position in the global industry, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and sustainable growth.
By focusing on diversity, innovation, and ethical leadership, we are preparing to take bold strides into the future. Our goal is to build a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive organization that not only leads in its sector but also sets new benchmarks for growth and development in the manufacturing industry.
The author is MD of Bharat Fritz Werner
