Personal Development Mentor, Parenting Coach, Career Counselor, Ethical Guide
COURAGE
- June 24, 2024
COURAGE
The leader has to have courage of both physical and moral types.
Moral courage is that one has the gumption to do or say the righteous thing or follow the correct/ethical path even in the face of opposition from peers/superiors and at the risk of losing something cherished – like a prized placement, raise, promotion etc.
Physical courage is the state of mind where you will go to any length to do your given task at grave danger to your own safety, even the risk of losing life or limb.
I remember a really thought provoking quip about his Gurkha soldiers by Field Marshal Manekshaw “If someone says he is not afraid, either he is telling lies or he is a Gurkha”.
What I mean to convey is that “absence of fear is not courage, but knowing the real dangers in attempting to do something but still deciding to go ahead in actual courage.”
In corporate world I have seen upright people losing favour with lesser bosses, but eventually they recover their losses, find respect and get due rewards.
I can remember when my unit went to an active counter insurgency area. During the day we were made familiar with the area of responsibility and from the first night after assuming operational control, I had to organise area domination patrols. The phase of the moon was such that it was pitch dark and you could not see beyond your nose!
Company that I was commanding was relatively new to me. I had lined up a patrol strength of about 15 men and briefed them about the route, safety precautions and emergency drills. Sensing no movement from the senior appointments after the briefing was over, I just cocked my personal weapon and told everyone to follow me. Out of the post we went, on to the route decided and returned three hours later, all the way myself leading.
The same thing happened on second and third night. I would line the boys up, brief them, cock my weapon and start moving at the head of the column.
On the fourth night something stirred in my senior NCO, who must have remembered the tactical line up of a patrolling party where there are supposed to be scouts ahead of the main body and Company Commander is supposed to be behind the first 6-7 men and not be the leading person. So he quickly nominated two scouts and slid in himself at No.3.
To tell you the truth I was afraid to be the points man due to real possibility of an ambush or encounter but could not tell someone to risk his life for me. I was ready to risk my life for others and that was silently appreciated.
There are examples galore when young officers lead from the front and get killed. There are Corporate leaders who get on the shop floor and dirty their hands showing solidarity with their workers. Leadership is a very complex yet very simple work — you just have to be you, know your job and take care of your team – success is assured!
Leadership isn’t always smooth sailing. Challenges arise that demand tough decisions and test your resolve. This is where courage comes into play. Courage in leadership isn’t about physical bravery, but rather moral courage: the strength to uphold your convictions, make difficult choices, and navigate uncertainty. It’s about inspiring your team to face challenges and embrace growth opportunities, even when the path is unclear.
Courage doesn’t exist in isolation; it stems from a strong foundation of personal values. Understanding your core beliefs and principles makes it easier to make courageous decisions, even when they’re unpopular. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you. Write down your non-negotiables, discuss them with a trusted mentor, and keep them in mind as you navigate leadership challenges.
Growth rarely happens within the confines of comfort. Sometimes, courageous leadership means taking calculated risks. This doesn’t mean jumping into every new venture blindly. It involves carefully evaluating options, weighing potential benefits against risks, and moving forward despite uncertainty. Innovation and progress often lie on the other side of calculated risks. By encouraging your team to experiment with new ideas and leading by example, you foster a culture of innovation and resilience, enabling you to tackle challenges head-on.
Everyone experiences fear; the key is not to eliminate it but to face it. Acknowledge your fears, understand their root cause, and take action despite them. Whether you’re afraid of presenting an innovative idea or worried about the consequences of a difficult decision, recognize your fear, develop a plan to address it, and take that courageous step forward.
Even the most courageous leaders make mistakes. What sets them apart is their willingness to admit these mistakes. Pretending to be infallible or shifting blame undermines trust and credibility. Instead, own your mistakes, apologize if necessary, learn from the experience, and move forward. This demonstrates integrity and inspires your team to be honest and accountable, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
Courage thrives in environments where it’s safe to speak up, take risks, and even fail. This is where psychological safety comes in. Creating a space where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, voicing concerns, and admitting mistakes without fear of retribution is crucial. As a leader, you can foster this environment by actively listening to your team, showing empathy, and encouraging open communication. When your team feels supported and valued, they’re more likely to take calculated risks, share new ideas, and be courageous themselves.
Courage is contagious. To cultivate it within your team, you must embody it yourself. Be transparent in your decision-making, stand by your convictions, and take a stand for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. When your team sees you leading with courage, they’re inspired to do the same. They realize it’s possible to navigate challenges with resolve and are more likely to follow suit.
Leading with courage isn’t just about feeling good; it has tangible benefits. A courageous team is a resilient team, more likely to bounce back from setbacks and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. This resilience leads to greater success. Furthermore, courage fosters innovation and creativity. When your team feels safe to take risks and experiment, it leads to breakthroughs and advancements.
In essence, courage in leadership is about more than just facing fears. It’s about standing firm in your values, embracing calculated risks, owning your mistakes, and creating an environment where your team feels safe to be courageous. By embodying these principles, you inspire your team to do the same, paving the way for a resilient, innovative, and successful future.
Major General Balraj Mehta
For over 35 years I served in the esteemed Indian Army, starting with one star on the shoulder to two stars on the flag. Leading infantry forces and commanding thousands of soldiers honed my leadership skills and instilled in me a deep understanding of human nature. This experience allows me to connect with individuals on a profound level, offering practical solutions for navigating complex career and parenting challenges.
My passion extends beyond the uniform into advising clients for a happy family life, grooming teenagers & young adults and development assistance to professionals. I am a firm believer in the power of knowledge sharing and personal growth. As a paratrooper I embraced challenges head-on, defying limitations and soaring to new heights. Now, I translate that same spirit into my work as a Coach, Mentor, Writer Speaker and Influencer.
Since transitioning from the military, I have embarked on a captivating journey of engaging audiences with my insights on leadership, human relations, and the ever-evolving nature of parent child relationship. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on empowering young adults and spreading awareness about need for compassionate parenting, offering valuable perspectives honed through first hand, personal and real-world experience.
I hold dear my commitment to knowledge sharing, teaching, guiding and mentoring the budding entrepreneurs, young professionals and parents of teenagers. By equipping future leaders with the tools they need to excel, I aim to empower them to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing world. It's incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and know that I am helping to shape the next generation of charismatic leaders.
In 1983 I embarked on a distinguished career in the Indian Army, having been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. The unwavering loyalty and dedication I held for my Nation and my Service became the cornerstone of faith during my professional journey. Each year honed my character, sharpened my skills, and fortified my resolve in service of a greater mission which I took upon as my very own!
Olive Green blood runs in my veins!
My operational journey in infantry culminated in commanding an infantry brigade in a highly sensitive operational area. This exceptionally successful tenure earned me the coveted Sena Medal for distinguished service in 2013. Throughout my career, I endeavour to forge excellent civil-military relations and oversaw crucial operations, including the rebuilding of military establishments devastated by Cyclone Phailin in 2013.
After 35 years of dedicated service, my career peaked as the General Officer Commanding the Sub Area of Uttarakhand and later the 41 Sub Area. On 31 August 2018, I superannuated from the Indian army, receiving a dignified farewell by the then Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat.
My experiences have equipped me to guide individuals through the journey called life, helping people overcome their uncertainties and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
My mission is to empower individuals to live a meaningful life and pursue fulfilling careers. I leverage my expertise in handling human resources, teaching, coaching and personal experiences in leading large organisations to provide guidance and support to parents to deal with their parenting woes, especially with respect to teenagers. I am dedicated to helping parents to overcome anxieties, discover their children’s passions and guide them to successful career choices. My goal is to see them gain clarity, build confidence, and find joy in their life and work.
I am committed to guiding entrepreneurs and young professionals to acquire necessary skills, develop their latent leadership qualities, get over anxiety for performance and forge a stronger personal and professional standing. I consider enhancing their efficiency by reorganisation, reorientation and reaffirmation as my specialty.
I envision a world where parents are empowered to let their children get aligned with their passions, values and talents and feel supported and encouraged to make wise career choices. I strive to be a catalyst for this change, providing the guidance and knowledge necessary for parents to build strong children, for teenagers to grow into strong, stable and compassionate adults and young professionals to achieve greater personal and professional fulfilment.
- Maj Gen Balraj Mehta