Nurturing Company Growth: Lessons from the Art of Curd Making

I usually don't write blogs, but a recent speech by Mr. Mohit Nirula , the Chief Operating Officer of The Oberoi Group , at our Hidesign annual meet struck a chord with me. His metaphorical comparison of company growth to the process of making curd was enlightening and thought-provoking. One key point he emphasized was that many of us have forgotten the traditional process of making curd, and this neglect can also be seen in how we manage our companies. Here's my attempt to share the insights he provided, how I interpreted them, and how they can be applied to nurturing effective company growth.

Culture: The Essence of Growth

In curd making, the culture is paramount. Without a good curd starter, you won't achieve the desired taste and consistency. Similarly, in a company, culture is the foundation of growth. Mr. Nirula emphasized that preserving a positive and effective corporate culture is essential for long-term success. If a company loses its culture, trying to borrow it from another organization can be challenging and may not fit well. It takes time and effort to adapt to a new culture, and it might never feel quite right.

To ensure a strong company culture:

- Define Core Values: Clearly articulate the values and principles that guide your company.

- Foster Engagement: Encourage open communication and involvement from all team members.

- Lead by Example: Leadership should embody the company's culture and values in their actions.

The Vessel: Choosing the Right Environment

In the curd-making process, the vessel plays a crucial role. A mud pot, for instance, helps maintain the right temperature and adds a unique flavour. In business, the vessel represents the environment in which your company operates. This includes your physical workspace, the tools and resources available, and the overall working conditions.

Creating an optimal environment for growth involves:

- Providing the Right Tools: Ensure employees have access to the necessary resources and technology.

- Designing a Productive Workspace: Create a comfortable and inspiring physical or virtual workspace.

- Encouraging Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where ideas can be freely exchanged.

Temperature: The Right Conditions for Growth

Temperature control is critical in curd making. The milk must be kept at the right warmth to ensure it sets properly. Similarly, the conditions under which a company operates are vital for its growth. This includes external factors like market conditions, and economic climate, and internal factors like management practices and employee morale.

To maintain the right conditions for company growth:

- Monitor Market Trends: Stay informed about industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly.

- Maintain Flexibility: Be ready to pivot and adjust to changing conditions.

- Support Employee Well-being: Ensure that employees are motivated and satisfied with their work environment.

Spread: Expanding the Culture

For curd to be consistently good, the culture needs to be spread evenly. In a company, the corporate culture should permeate every aspect of the organization. This means that all employees, regardless of their role or location, should embody the company’s values and work towards common goals.

Achieving a consistent spread of culture involves:

- Effective Communication: Regularly communicate the company's vision and values to all employees.

- Training and Development: Provide continuous learning opportunities that reinforce the company culture.

- Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge and reward behaviours that align with the company’s values.

The Curd-Making Process and Company Growth

Just as making curd requires careful attention to the culture, vessel, and temperature, nurturing a company's growth involves a delicate balance of maintaining the right culture, providing an optimal environment, and adapting to external conditions.

Procurement

1. Milk: Obtain fresh, full-fat milk – represents the quality of resources and inputs in a business.

2. Curd Starter: Use a small amount of curd from a previous batch or store-bought live cultured yoghurt – signifies leveraging existing successful practices or starting with a proven methodology.

Making Process

1. Boil Milk: Heat the milk until it boils, then let it cool to lukewarm (about 40-45°C or 104-113°F) – this symbolizes preparing the company by ensuring the basics are right.
2. Add Starter: Stir a teaspoon of curd starter into the lukewarm milk – represents introducing the right culture into the company.
3. Set the Curd: Pour the mixture into a clean container, cover it, and leave it in a warm place for 6 to 12 hours until the curd sets – signifies providing the right conditions for growth.
4. Refrigerate: Once set, refrigerate the curd to stop further souring – which indicates maintaining and preserving the company's success.

Tips for Success

1. Clean and Dry Container: Use a clean, dry container, ideally earthenware, for the best flavour – which signifies creating a clean and supportive environment.
2. Avoid Contamination: Ensure all utensils are clean to avoid bacterial contamination – symbolizes maintaining integrity and avoiding negative influences.
3. Temperature Control: The temperature of the milk when adding the starter is crucial for proper setting – highlights the importance of timing and the right conditions for growth.

By understanding and implementing these elements, companies can foster a healthy and productive environment that promotes sustainable growth and success, much like the art of making the perfect curd.

Mr. Nirula's insights remind us that sometimes, looking back at traditional methods can provide the best lessons for modern challenges.

A special thank you to our founder Mr. Dilip Kapur for inviting Mr. Mohit Nirula to speak and inspire us with his wisdom. This blog marks my first-ever LinkedIn article, and I hope it motivates others as much as Mr. Nirula's speech has motivated me.