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The Difference: When Good Enough Isn't Enough
If you saw a toothpick on the floor, what would you do?
This seemingly innocuous question was posed to Subir Chowdhury by one of his longtime clients, and ultimately lead him to a profound good enough is not enough. The best processes in the world won't work without developing the kind of mindset — a caring mindset — that is needed to achieve real and sustainable change in both organizations and individuals.
In his compelling new book, bestselling author and globally recognized management consultant Subir Chowdhury tackles an issue that has haunted him in his work with many of the world’s largest organizations. Why is it that some improve only incrementally, while others improve 50 times that? The ideas and training are exactly the same. What is the difference?
The difference , Chowdhury explains, is the ability to nurture the skills, loyalty and passion of the people who make up an organization. It is a culture built on straightforwardness, thoughtfulness, accountability and resolve. Organizations and individuals that embrace all of these “STAR” attributes—not just one or two of them—will shine. He goes further, showing us why having a caring mindset outside of work is integral to both personal and professional success.
A powerful guide to living a successful life and career, The Difference will inspire you to be the difference — at work or home.
This seemingly innocuous question was posed to Subir Chowdhury by one of his longtime clients, and ultimately lead him to a profound good enough is not enough. The best processes in the world won't work without developing the kind of mindset — a caring mindset — that is needed to achieve real and sustainable change in both organizations and individuals.
In his compelling new book, bestselling author and globally recognized management consultant Subir Chowdhury tackles an issue that has haunted him in his work with many of the world’s largest organizations. Why is it that some improve only incrementally, while others improve 50 times that? The ideas and training are exactly the same. What is the difference?
The difference , Chowdhury explains, is the ability to nurture the skills, loyalty and passion of the people who make up an organization. It is a culture built on straightforwardness, thoughtfulness, accountability and resolve. Organizations and individuals that embrace all of these “STAR” attributes—not just one or two of them—will shine. He goes further, showing us why having a caring mindset outside of work is integral to both personal and professional success.
A powerful guide to living a successful life and career, The Difference will inspire you to be the difference — at work or home.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published February 21, 2017
92 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 27, 2021
Right book at the right time. When things get too repetitive and tends to get you worn down and you tend to do things you love with just "good enough" and not giving your best when you do the things you do the best, give this short book a try. So worth it.
Divided into 6 short chapters, this non-fiction, self-help motivational book tries to figure out why there's a big difference between the successful and the rest.
It tries to explain the strategy as to how to figure out the reasons of not being able to make things happen and how to make them happen summed up in the STAR system:
*Being Straightforward
*Being Thoughtful
*Being Accountable
*Having Resolve
These strategies are backed up by real-life examples and references which I really appreciate.
However, I still feel the writing could have been more concise and accurate at some parts.
Divided into 6 short chapters, this non-fiction, self-help motivational book tries to figure out why there's a big difference between the successful and the rest.
It tries to explain the strategy as to how to figure out the reasons of not being able to make things happen and how to make them happen summed up in the STAR system:
*Being Straightforward
*Being Thoughtful
*Being Accountable
*Having Resolve
These strategies are backed up by real-life examples and references which I really appreciate.
However, I still feel the writing could have been more concise and accurate at some parts.
January 19, 2022
January 18, 2022 - This is my Dad’s book. You best believe I’m giving it five stars. It deserves nothing less. But truly, I have read this book twice, and it is incredibly engaging. The stories are simple and easy to understand for readers of any age while delivering a powerful impact. This book will remind you to never settle for less, to always strive for high quality in all aspects (work, academics, school, etc.) of your life. Overall, an incredible read, and I will forever be proud of my Dad and all his amazing accomplishments. He is the definition of following the principle he introduces in the book aka STAR (Straightforward, Thoughtful, Accountable, and Resolve). ⭐️
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July 7, 2016 - Very excited for this book!
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July 7, 2016 - Very excited for this book!
November 22, 2016
Sometimes in life, you read a book and keep pondering about events in your life and lessons learned. The Difference by Subir Chowdhury is a fascinating read on quality and its impact on people. A true real-life glimpse into quality pervading every facet of life. The STAR principles depicted through actual anecdotes are incisive and easy to follow but have tremendous impact.
It is a must read for corporates AND parents - anyone striving to better themselves and even, advising someone else. Hopefully yet another New York Times bestseller! Well done Subir – glad you care so much about making a true difference in the lives of people.
It is a must read for corporates AND parents - anyone striving to better themselves and even, advising someone else. Hopefully yet another New York Times bestseller! Well done Subir – glad you care so much about making a true difference in the lives of people.
December 6, 2017
Just glad it was short
Personally I had a problem with how many times he used I and me. It was like he was bragging about himself every page. That is just the way I read it it. Wasn’t all that interested in it to begin with so that may have been a problem. I would not recommend it. Think it can be summed up a lot quicker, maybe in an article on caring or something. He did reference some books that are worth reading. And by no means does he not know his stuff. It was just a little dull.
Personally I had a problem with how many times he used I and me. It was like he was bragging about himself every page. That is just the way I read it it. Wasn’t all that interested in it to begin with so that may have been a problem. I would not recommend it. Think it can be summed up a lot quicker, maybe in an article on caring or something. He did reference some books that are worth reading. And by no means does he not know his stuff. It was just a little dull.
November 21, 2016
Chowdhury is the master of boiling down the essence of a complicated topic into simple to understand and apply message -- STAR Straightforward, Thoughtful, Accountable, Resolve. If everyone interacted using this approach, average workers and average companies would be transcended into great workers and great companies.
November 21, 2016
It's a very good book. I truly believe, no matter where and when; STAR qualities are required for personal or organizational progress and in all for the betterment of society. If STAR is maintained all the time, quality in anything you do will follow. Worth reading at least once. The book is very simple but can have greater impact.
March 13, 2019
I am a big fan of self-help and development books. This one time when I was browsing the bookshelf of Crossword and saw this bright yellow cover. I pulled out this from the shelf and read the blurb and the acknowledgment. Without giving a second thought, I bought it. But couldn’t read it anytime before 3-4 months.
This is a book where a Business Consultant, consults you for free!
Although this book is an absolute business handbook, there are a lot of things that are helpful even in a normal teenager’s day-to-day life. I read a complete business book for the first time. But the book has been capable to keep me indulged throughout. It is very difficult to write a book solely on business, but the author here has done a great job in doing so.
The book uses the narration of one person, sharing various business lessons to his clients for increasing the efficiency of their businesses. All the lessons are very vividly explained by a potential business circumstance and not a personal one. Every chapter is dedicated to creating a better description of every 4 STAR lessons the author intends us to know. The inclusion of various quotes, personal judgment toward situations and the explanatory instances help a lot all through.
Any entrepreneur, Corporate Employee, students who will soon be sitting in their placement or will be joining the business anytime soon, should definitely read. This is a must-read for all the working people.
This is a book where a Business Consultant, consults you for free!
Although this book is an absolute business handbook, there are a lot of things that are helpful even in a normal teenager’s day-to-day life. I read a complete business book for the first time. But the book has been capable to keep me indulged throughout. It is very difficult to write a book solely on business, but the author here has done a great job in doing so.
The book uses the narration of one person, sharing various business lessons to his clients for increasing the efficiency of their businesses. All the lessons are very vividly explained by a potential business circumstance and not a personal one. Every chapter is dedicated to creating a better description of every 4 STAR lessons the author intends us to know. The inclusion of various quotes, personal judgment toward situations and the explanatory instances help a lot all through.
Any entrepreneur, Corporate Employee, students who will soon be sitting in their placement or will be joining the business anytime soon, should definitely read. This is a must-read for all the working people.
April 27, 2020
This is a well researched and well-written book as it gives insight into what actually happens inside the corporate world. Besides, the STAR principle is the key to excel in everything. Companies don't always have to fire people and good employees always care for the company no matter what. A must-read book !!
November 20, 2016
The author used stories from his personal and professional experience to illustrate STAR - being straightforward, thoughtful, accountable and resolute to make a difference in your achievements.
I read an electronic ARC of this book.
I read an electronic ARC of this book.
December 30, 2016
to be reviewed in the May-June issue of Global Business and Organizational Excellence.
February 14, 2022
Sounded like just another self-help book, but for people in higher echelons of organisations/companies
September 28, 2019
'The Difference: When Good Enough Isn't Enough' by Subir Chowdhury is an inspiring book about developing a caring mindset and what that can do for you.
Using the acronym STAR, this short book then adds chapters on straightforwardness, thoughtfulness, accountability and resolve, the 4 attributes. The idea is to create a caring mindset. This affects how you act when you see a toothpick on the ground or a hungry child looking for food in a drain. What would happen to our lives and those around us if we had this kind of caring mindset?
Using lots of anecdotes and stories from his own life, this book is like having a conversation with someone. The writing style is affable and friendly. The concepts are piercing and challenging. I'm glad I had a chance to read this book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Using the acronym STAR, this short book then adds chapters on straightforwardness, thoughtfulness, accountability and resolve, the 4 attributes. The idea is to create a caring mindset. This affects how you act when you see a toothpick on the ground or a hungry child looking for food in a drain. What would happen to our lives and those around us if we had this kind of caring mindset?
Using lots of anecdotes and stories from his own life, this book is like having a conversation with someone. The writing style is affable and friendly. The concepts are piercing and challenging. I'm glad I had a chance to read this book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
April 24, 2024
A really good book on Quality Control & Management but more than that - this book paves the path towards those Qualities.
Using the elements of being Straightforward, Thoughtful, Accountable and Resolve, any and all companies plus individuals can make great strides in their lives and careers.
Written by a fellow Bangladeshi (im a bangladeshi too) I was thinking this book would not be up to the standards as most of my countrymen are not good authors in general. However, the instant shower of quality, as an author, Mr Subir Chowdhury made it clear very early on in this book that he wasn’t and isn’t like the rest of the Bangladeshis.
This book left me altered into a more knowledgeable and better man than i was before i read it.
Thanks.
Using the elements of being Straightforward, Thoughtful, Accountable and Resolve, any and all companies plus individuals can make great strides in their lives and careers.
Written by a fellow Bangladeshi (im a bangladeshi too) I was thinking this book would not be up to the standards as most of my countrymen are not good authors in general. However, the instant shower of quality, as an author, Mr Subir Chowdhury made it clear very early on in this book that he wasn’t and isn’t like the rest of the Bangladeshis.
This book left me altered into a more knowledgeable and better man than i was before i read it.
Thanks.
March 9, 2018
It is a book which redefines the different qualities or principles one should apply in life.Many of us know most of these principles but not how to apply it in our daily life.The book talk about STAR i.e how one should be starightfoward for certain things, thoughtful, acountable and resolve.In this book the author not only gave these principles but some hidden principles of leadership, motivation, attitude to oneself and others and the business perspectives of employee and a boss.This book also speaks about business morale, empathy, culture in the organization and lot more.One good eye opener to all the people and a must read.
October 20, 2018
This book focuses on the idea of how having a caring mindset in whatever you do, at work or in your personal life can significantly improve the results. It also talks about the positive attitude towards life and its impact. The true stories presented by Subir during his experience of working with clients around the world shows the positive change that he brought to these organizations because of this mindset. Some of the examples presented in the book such as the "toothpick on the floor" remained in my thoughts for a long time. In the end, sometimes it's the small things that create the most impact.
January 10, 2021
Very rarely do you come across a book with profound wisdom yet written in a simple & lucid way. "The Difference - When Good Enough Is Not Enough" by Subir Chowdhury is one such book. The book is an amalgamation of real examples & insightful wisdom distilled in a easy read. The simple wisdom of this book is an inspiration not only for business but also for life. The writer does not dwell on jargon or a list of "to - do' things to achieve success, neither does it attempt to provide any hypothetical model. Subir Chowdhury shares a splendid insight as to how simple act of caring can make a huge difference to business & life alike.
March 13, 2017
It is a quick read. It focuses on being a better person in the workplace and in life. The traits the author points out either exist or they don't exist within a person. I'm not sure that adults can develop them, especially in today's win at all costs environment where bad people not only get the greatest rewards but also have convinced themselves that they are not bad people. Still, it is nice to have people out there trying to do good. It helps balance things out. So I recommend this book.
September 2, 2023
One star for the basic content, which is valid and useful. The tone is self-aggrandizing, the anecdotes are tedious, and the message is delivered in such a condescending way that I just didn't care. This should be an article or pamphlet. Or maybe part of a larger collection of articles published as a book on how to be a better human.
Also, i listened to the audiobook which is not one of the additions listed here.
Also, i listened to the audiobook which is not one of the additions listed here.
June 10, 2017
Book Review: "The Difference: When Good Enough Isn't Enough"
by Subir Chowdhury
I highly encourage you to buy the book for yourself and buy a few more to give to others. Let us do our part in initiating a change, in making a difference and converting the indifferent mindset to a caring mindset. Let us be the difference that the world needs.
http://bit.ly/2sm0tmA
by Subir Chowdhury
I highly encourage you to buy the book for yourself and buy a few more to give to others. Let us do our part in initiating a change, in making a difference and converting the indifferent mindset to a caring mindset. Let us be the difference that the world needs.
http://bit.ly/2sm0tmA
July 29, 2017
To the point explanation of the attitude you need to have to make a difference
Very useful for anyone looking to make a difference at work, even in life in general. Thankfully, not padded with irrelevant information just to make it longer in order to seem like a typical business book.
Very useful for anyone looking to make a difference at work, even in life in general. Thankfully, not padded with irrelevant information just to make it longer in order to seem like a typical business book.
August 15, 2017
Subir Chowdhury digs deeper than his considerable expertise in Six Sigma, and explains an approach to life, termed STAR, that is utterly transformative. STAR -- being Straightforward, Thoughtful, Accountable, and having Resolve -- is a precursor to so much else. As the author says, "There must be caring, and THEN process."
April 21, 2018
This is a must-read
There is a reason why Subir has written this book, actually many reasons. And each one of them would be better than the next. Find out for yourself the reason for you. Anyone reading this book and having an understanding of Landmark and universal positive thinking will be very thankful they have.
There is a reason why Subir has written this book, actually many reasons. And each one of them would be better than the next. Find out for yourself the reason for you. Anyone reading this book and having an understanding of Landmark and universal positive thinking will be very thankful they have.
October 15, 2019
Easy read, that's because the STAR acronym, which many of the reviews have summarised, could have been explained in two pages each.
I also had to plough through at great speed to get over Mr. Chowdhury narcissism as fast as I can - I'm by no means questioning his authority on the subject, but his innumerous plugs really got to me.
I also had to plough through at great speed to get over Mr. Chowdhury narcissism as fast as I can - I'm by no means questioning his authority on the subject, but his innumerous plugs really got to me.
February 15, 2019
this book is a cornerstone of the company I run, and the "toothpick" question has literally become a test for any new hires - this is an excellent, quick read for ANYONE in a managerial, leadership, or ownership position
June 24, 2017
STAR
-Being Straightforward
- Being Thoughtful
- Being Accountable
- Having Resolve
To create a difference when good is not good enough!
-Being Straightforward
- Being Thoughtful
- Being Accountable
- Having Resolve
To create a difference when good is not good enough!
July 16, 2017
Interesting and important attitudes to consider and apply in life in order to live more humanly, passionately, and successfully.
November 25, 2017
Nothing spectacular about this. Easy to read though.
February 8, 2018
Irritatingly preachy & terribly boring. Enough, but certainly not good enough.
March 29, 2018
Not much new material if you read similar business or personal development books. Easy listen on Audible.
October 30, 2018
Straightforward
Thoughtful
Accountable
Resolve
STAR. Marvellously explained in precise manner. A STAR in my library.
Thoughtful
Accountable
Resolve
STAR. Marvellously explained in precise manner. A STAR in my library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews