//Recognizing Quality Innovation

Recognizing Quality Innovation

2018-05-25T17:20:08+00:00

Honoring those in the mobility industry who demonstrate ability and talent to further innovation and broaden the impact of

Quality & Me

Subir shares his own personal efforts to work toward continuous improvement within his own community, among his friends and family.

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Books by Subir

The Power of LEO
The Ice Cream Maker
The Power of Design for Six
The Power of Six Sigma
Organization 21c

The Subir Chowdhury Medal of Quality Leadership was established by the Society of Automotive Engineers along with the Subir and Malini Chowdhury Foundation. Established in 2010, the award is honors individuals and organizations who demonstrate ability and talent to further innovation and broaden the impact of “quality” in mobility engineering, design and manufacture.

This award is offered in the spirit of my lifetime of work toward quality in the engineering professions. It’s purpose is to recognize the benefit to our global society when engineers practice the utmost quality in their work. The SAE website says that the award recognizes, “the power of quality in engineering.” I may add that we use excellence of this type to broaden our vision of what is achievable.

Certainly, I hope that this award enhances the public perception of SAE International as an organization that celebrates contributions of all individuals and their work in this area. My aim comports with theirs: to demonstrate “the deeper scope and reach of SAE International” and engineering professions to the public.

I honor medal recipients – past and present:

LOGO_sae_international

Recipient Award Employer
Gerald Johnson 2017 General Motors
Shahjada Ahmed Pahlovy, PhD 2016 Dynax Corporation
Glen A. Barton 2011 Caterpillar Inc
James D. Power 2010 JD Power And Associates

Fear freezes your ability to be straightforward

When we are scared, nervous, or afraid, we shut out the outside world.  We become less open and transparent. Instead of accepting our true selves, and admitting that we are afraid, we put up a wall designed to keep out the truth.  We make things up to compensate—about how good-looking we are, about how clever or competent we believe ourselves to be, about how much money we make. We lose sight of the importance of being straightforward and honest. Fear can undermine openness and honesty in anyone—including me!

What does it take to be accountable?

Accountability is taking responsibility for your actions. It’s the “A” in STAR, and acronym I developed for what it takes to have a caring mindset. But first, we need to take a step back. You can’t be accountable if you don’t know what’s going on.

Who made the difference in your life?

I recently attended an event that included bestselling authors, and wildly successful business entrepreneurs. But this one young man stole the show for me, and helped me understand what redefining success means.

When has pride pushed you back?

Pride exists at the organizational level and can just as easily become tainted.  Think about it.  How many times have you witnessed senior level executives not acknowledging a problem? The reason?  Pride.  Ego.  They don’t want to admit that there is a problem because of ego:  someone else will think they’re weak, or that they’ll lose face.  To admit your decision was wrong means you are weak, correct?  Absolutely the opposite!