Bearing
During our 18 months training in Indian Military Academy the main contribution to the excellent bearing we, erstwhile from civive streets, acquired was mainly from the Drill Square. The posture, the marching style, the endurance and the lean, mean look is mainly the product of Chetwode Drill Square!
The most ubiquous part of the drill parade was the smartly attired drill instructors shouting commands at top of their voices. We were also required to strongly vocalise where – ever required. At that time we had cotton uniforms which had to be starched and ironed for the cloth to look like a metallic sheet. In fact the joke was that if properly flared, a starched trouser could stand on its own! Every part of the uniform and accouterments were under great scrutiny, even the shoelaces had to be properly flat all the way round – any twist was sure to invite trouble.
The habits learnt during academy days never die. That’s why you will always find service officers to be always most properly dressed in the room with shining shoes, chest out and never a hair out of place!
How this helps is best illustrated by the electrifying effect Field Marshal Manekshaw had over the troops wherever and whenever he met them. Be in peace or be it in war, be it in forward trenches or dining halls, in messes and parade ground he had a mesmerizing effect on everyone who sighted him. Of course he was Sam Bahadur, a Military Cross winner but his bearing, his confidence, his way of talking and demeanor all were perfect. Such a leader inspires awe, even after he is out of uniform. He became involved with various corporate houses as a special invitee and always left his mark, an indelible imprint on the minds of all those present with him in boardrooms.
It is not easy, most of it is not God given and needs to be honed out with sheer hard work, grit and maintained over the years with lot of determination and focus.
In the midst of a high-stakes presentation to a crucial client, imagine the scenario: the projector fails, casting the room into darkness. Despite the initial panic creeping in, you take a deep breath, troubleshoot the issue calmly, and swiftly find a solution. Your composed demeanor remains unshaken, and your team, mirroring your confidence, follows suit. This scenario illustrates the essence of bearing – not a facade of aloofness or arrogance, but a poised and confident composure that fosters trust and respect, particularly in challenging situations.
Bearing, a fundamental leadership quality, stems from within. It is not merely a façade, but a deep-rooted belief in oneself and one’s team. This inner strength is nurtured through self-awareness, recognizing both strengths and weaknesses. By acknowledging areas for improvement, individuals can work on developing those skills, thereby enhancing confidence. Surrounding oneself with a supportive team and mentors who believe in their capabilities creates a positive feedback loop that reinforces self-worth.
Leadership often entails navigating through unexpected challenges, tight deadlines, and moments when plans go awry. Maintaining composure during these times is paramount. Panicking seldom resolves issues. Instead, taking a deep breath and assessing the situation objectively is key. Focusing on controllable aspects and delegating tasks efficiently to the team projects a sense of calmness, reassuring the team and redirecting focus towards finding solutions.
Effective communication extends beyond verbal exchanges. Nonverbal cues, such as posture, facial expressions, and body language, play a significant role. Leaders must be mindful of their nonverbal communication, maintaining good posture, avoiding fidgeting, and making eye contact to convey attentiveness and confidence.
Leaders with bearing are fully present in the moment, actively listening to team members and offering undivided attention. Distractions, like checking phones or appearing preoccupied, should be avoided. Being fully present projects confidence and focus, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Leadership entails acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility for actions, without deflecting blame or making excuses. Authenticity is key – projecting a genuine image allows leaders to connect with their team on a deeper level, fostering trust and loyalty.
Developing bearing is an ongoing process. It requires cultivating inner strength, mastering body language, and leading authentically. By doing so, individuals can develop a powerful presence that inspires and empowers their team, demonstrating that leadership is not about invincibility, but about inspiring confidence in oneself and others.