(HP)² is Bonito’s formula for a high-performance team manifested by happy people
Interior design organisations are not your typical workplaces. Here, each day demands the creation of multiple masterpieces, where creativity, innovation, and inspiration are the lifeblood of the company. As the Chief Marketing Officer of India's largest full-home interior design firm - Bonito Designs, I often find myself marvelling at the unique species that make up our interior design team. They are not just employees; they are artisans of ambience, creators of comfort, and architects of aspiration. I have realised that the secret to success for my team is balancing the demands of unending client expectations with the pursuit of innovation, for which there is a magic potion: what we affectionately call (HP)²: Bonito’s formula for a High-Performance team manifested by Happy People!
High Performance Teams: Crafting Masterpieces in Multiplicity
Pablo Picasso once said: Every act of creation is first an act of destruction. At Bonito, we thrive on this philosophy. No two client expectations are same. What works on one day, may not work the other day. This requires a potent concoction of mindset modelling, emotional innovation, breaking technological boundaries with a generous sprinkle of ‘team-spirit’.
Amongst the Cherry Blossoms, Be the Bougainvillea!
Driving along Mumbai's Eastern Highway last week, I was captivated by the pink cherry blossom trees near Vikhroli. As I gazed at the blushed hues heralding spring, it struck me how fleeting this beauty is, soon to be replaced by barrenness of summer. I was instantly reminded of the enduring charm of my mother's garden in Dehradun, where the Bougainvillea grew in all its glory throughout every season.
And just like this evergreen plant, our Bonito Team thrives on evergreen creativity, replicable productivity, and constant innovation. We embrace a year-round 'FLOW' of creativity: Find Inspiration à Let go of Expectations à Open up to Possibilities à Work on it, ensuring that the Springtime of Creativity blooms in every season.
Dare to Dream, But Don’t Forget to Read
Picture a daring designer venturing into a project without the guiding light of the customer. The result? A room resembling a jungle gym rather than a sanctuary of comfort. Lesson learned. In our world, customer interaction is not just a task, it's a way of life. Transparent communication, open-hearted design sessions, and a deep understanding of budget constraints need to be our daily mantras. We need to train our designers in the art of customer psychology and expectation, turning them into expert mind-readers!
At Bonito, each morning brings fresh opportunities to interact, learn from history, and envision the future. The open-door culture ensures that designers eagerly and regularly share insights, brainstorm ideas and solutions, and weave spectacular dreams on whiteboards.
However, a high-performance team isn't just about skills; it's about the happiness quotient. A team with smiles as bright as their ideas knows no bounds and we need to Nurture Design Dynasties through 10 TO 7 Happy Hours. This is where our 'culture-setting' magic comes into play. Being an ardent movie buff, let me demonstrate how it can be made possible through references from evergreen movies.
Aisi Learning Opportunity Na Milegi Dobara
A happy life is one spent in learning, earning and yearning. And just like in the movie, we must also encourage groups to come together and take calculated risks when venturing into the unknown. The result: continuous learning. I believe sales teams should learn design ethos, designers should learn the art of negotiation and customer relationship managers should learn the art of cross-selling.
The Bonito-Verse
The original movie reprises Afro-Latino superhero Miles Morales and expands its world, delving into other characters like Spider-women-Gwen and Pavitr Prabhakar: Spider-Man of India. Drawing inspiration from the diverse world of Spider-Man, our design family celebrates a mosaic of talents and perspectives. Like the characters in the movie, each member brings a unique background, enriching our creative palette. By embracing diversity, we can weave a tapestry of belonging and brilliance, fostering innovation and inclusivity.
Bonito ki ‘Kahaani’
By incorporating elements of surprise and delight, we can easily infuse joy into our workplace culture. Similar to the unexpected twists in a movie's climax, we can create our own moments of happiness through small gestures and celebrations. Whether it's inviting family and pets to the office, organising weekend picnics, or recognising contributions with little gestures, we must cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie, strengthening our bond as a team.
Chak De Bonito!
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding newcomers through their journey at Bonito. Like SRK in "Chak De! India," experienced team members must step up to support and nurture budding talents. Through Buddy Projects, we need to facilitate mentorship opportunities, ensuring that newcomers receive guidance not only in their professional endeavours but also in understanding our company culture and dynamics.
Epilogue: Designing Dreams, Crafting Culture
In the vibrant canvas of design and innovation, every CXO at Bonito Designs dons the mantle of Chief Culture Officer. We're the storytellers of a culture built on trust, camaraderie, and the unyielding pursuit of creative excellence. As Maya Angelou's words echo in our halls, we celebrate not just the final masterpiece but the journey of transformation and growth. Here at Bonito with the power of (HP)², every brushstroke, every detail, and every laugh aim to weaves the fabric of our design legacy.
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