Personal Development Mentor, Parenting Coach, Career Counselor, Ethical Guide
INITIATIVE
- Aug 5, 2024
INITIATIVE
On this topic of initiative a very elaborate exercise I had to undertake bring up the leadership quotient of my team comes to my mind’s forefront. This occurred in an operational area when I had to go and takeover defences on Line of Control at the head of my battalion. My area of responsibility had about 25 individual posts bang on LC which had to be heavily guarded. In addition to that I had nearly 7.5 km of LC fence, newly constructed and to be taken over by us from the Engineers. The hilly terrain, thick jungles and water channels crisscrossing the fence made it very tricky to really dominate and ensure no infiltration.
For this purpose I had to deploy 42 additional posts, on the Fence itself, of 4-5 men each at every twist and turn. To officer those posts, I had no officers or even junior commissioned officers or even enough Havildars to deploy. Per force I had to deploy two or three JCOs, six or seven Havildars and rest Naiks. These junior ranks are traditionally so down the chain of command that they are attuned to obedience of orders. But in their new deployment they had to be alert and confident to respond immediately to any emerging dire situation without waiting for orders. You know even if it was required, the rearward communication could not be ensured 100% at all times. The telephone wires could get cut and radio sets could be off the air due to bad weather, lightening etc.
I briefed and stressed upon the junior leaders the orders to ensure zero infiltration, effective fire to neutralise any attempt to temper with the fence and gave them confidence of my back up in case of any emergency or adverse development.
They had to be recognised as bosses of their areas, small initiatives to clear the fields of fire involving chopping down a few trees were welcomed and extra attention given to their views. Infact I found their suggestions, including for redeployment of few posts to better locations most sound and acted upon them.
Frequent visits and rounds, during day, night and adverse weather by me, the Second in Command, the Company Commander, Subedar Major and the Religious Teacher kept their spirits up. I had the most satisfying command tenure, most of those junior leaders got multiple promotions in their careers during succeeding years and have really done well.
I want to stress one point here. When we talk of leadership, it doesn’t mean only the top man. Every stakeholder down the chain holding a distinct job to do is a leader in his own right. We have to develop and nurture those so that the productivity increase and overall vision of the Organization is realised.
And yes, we did ensure zero infiltration!
In any professional setting, encountering challenges is par for the course. Tight deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, and project hiccups are all part of the game. However, what sets exceptional leaders apart is their proactive approach to problem-solving. They don’t wait for solutions to magically appear; they take initiative.
Initiative entails more than just reacting to problems as they arise; it involves foresight and anticipation. It means honing your critical thinking skills to foresee potential roadblocks and devising strategies to address them preemptively. Reflecting on past experiences can also provide valuable insights into recurring issues, enabling you to take preventive measures.
Moreover, taking initiative extends beyond problem-solving; it encompasses seizing opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s streamlining processes or identifying untapped markets, being proactive means constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and create value. It requires thinking creatively and challenging conventional wisdom to uncover innovative solutions.
Making decisions with confidence is another hallmark of initiative. It often involves venturing into uncharted territory, where outcomes are uncertain. However, effective leaders don’t let fear of failure deter them. Instead, they gather relevant information, weigh their options, and make informed decisions—even if they entail calculated risks. After all, some of the most groundbreaking ideas are born from daring endeavors.
Crucially, taking initiative does not equate to micromanagement. True leadership involves empowering team members to take ownership of problems and solve them autonomously. It means providing them with the necessary resources, support, and guidance to succeed. Encouraging a culture of collaboration and innovation fosters a sense of collective responsibility for both success and setbacks.
Effective communication is essential in initiatives. Keeping stakeholders informed about proactive efforts ensures alignment and fosters trust. Transparency regarding rationale, potential solutions, and anticipated challenges encourages buy-in and collaboration, enhancing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Learning from both successes and failures is integral to the initiative. Not every endeavor will yield the desired results, but setbacks offer valuable learning opportunities. Analyzing failures, identifying root causes, and adjusting strategies accordingly are crucial for continuous improvement. Embracing a growth mindset and fostering a culture of learning cultivates resilience and adaptability within the team.
Creating a culture of initiative within a team requires deliberate effort and commitment. Recognizing and rewarding proactive behavior incentivizes initiative-taking. Providing a supportive environment for brainstorming and idea-sharing encourages diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving. Offering opportunities for professional growth and skill development equips team members with the tools they need to tackle challenges effectively.
By fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving, teams become more agile, efficient, and accountable. Empowering individuals to take ownership of challenges reduces reliance on hierarchical structures and promotes a sense of collective responsibility. Moreover, demonstrating initiative signals confidence in the team’s abilities and inspires them to strive for excellence.
In conclusion, taking initiative is not just a leadership trait; it’s a cultural mindset that drives continuous improvement and innovation. By nurturing a culture of proactive problem-solving, organizations can adapt to change more effectively and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
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