The debate around growth usually involves questions like – Is professionalism necessary for growth? Are entrepreneurs not professional in their approach? What happens when organisations grow and how should owners conduct themselves?

Anil Mathur, COO at Godrej Interio, indicates, “Fundamentally, professionalism does not mean just employing professionally qualified persons or being qualified. Professionalisation is needed to address complex operations through a matrix of processes, where teams having the requisite skills are empowered to take decisions and ownership at various levels within an organisation.”

According to Mathur, all fundamentals of professionalisation need to be put in place for achieving sustained growth, be they single or multiple product businesses; or single or diverse geography operations, or a combination. “Entrepreneurs, or owners, will have to focus on their vision, mission and values. The professional organisation will have to build its foundation on the prescribed values, and not traditions that were being followed hitherto. This process would require emotional preparedness of owners, and they will have to define and adhere to the role change that they will undergo.”

Mathur is scheduled to speak on Professionalism at India Kitchen Congress on June 14. In his address, he will be explaining how professionalism leads to growth, even as the environment changes and opportunities emerge; and to wealth creation for stakeholders.