Deeper Thoughts
"Error is horror" is the motto that illustrates the pride the Marathi people take in the reliability of their unique service.
They are Mumbai's Dabbawalas, picking up 200,000 hot lunches in tiffin boxes every morning and delivering every single one to the correct office by 12:45pm.
An average tiffin box changes hands four times and travels over 60km - yet there is only one mistake in every 6 million deliveries. This is accords them the world-coveted Six Sigma quality standard, yet without a single micro-chip in the process.
Instead, efficiency is down to the commitment of each of the 5,000 members of the team, and they say this comes from their strong sense of community. Apart from all originating from near Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra, they have all invested heavily in their career - paying 30,000 rupees, and providing their own bicycle, carrying-box and uniform. This gives them a strong sense of ownership.
It's then a secure job for life, and the earnings of the operation are split equally each month, regardless of each person's role or longevity in the job - each taking home around 5,000 rupees a month.
These community bonds are further strengthened when the service closes for a week once each year, and the Dabbawalas head back to their home villages for the region's annual festival. Western companies spending a fortune on technology in the pursuit of quality, might pause to consider these 'softer' facets of belonging and pride.
Where Next?
What are the common ties that unite your team, and could create that sense of community?
How could you create a sense of ownership?
Why not call us at HSBC on 0800 434 69301 to fund your next steps.
