Personal Development Mentor, Parenting Coach, Career Counselor, Ethical Guide
Bearing
- June 17, 2024
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.
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