Personal Development Mentor, Parenting Coach, Career Counselor, Ethical Guide
JUDGEMENT
- Aug 19, 2024
JUDGEMENT
This is a quality which is the most important aspect of leadership and comes with an agile mind, sincerity of purpose and thorough knowledge of your field.
I have two very clear examples of corporate world, small scale and relatively unknown to the wider world. Both are operating in similar space and are fairly old from inception angle.
Now the first one – let’s call it ‘ABC’ was a rather large annual turnover organization and the promoters were fixated with growth, growth and more growth. In the bargain they took on more than they could support. You see the orders you take on need to be serviced, your team has to be paid salaries, and there are other expenses for running establishments as also taxes to be paid. Over a period of few years they continued to ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ but eventually defaulted on all of the above. The situation for the employees who were denied wages for more than a couple of years was so pathetic that almost everyone left and most they are suing them in courts. The suddenness of the collapse was so dramatic that the company has been left at no revenue inflows and official liquidator has been appointed.
All of this transpired due to poor judgement of the promoters in recognising the risks, poor planning of finances, ignoring the warnings from well-meaning advisors and finally being run aground by the govt agencies for tax evasion. The reputation has gone for a six and rebuilding seems like a dream impossible. To add an unthinkable angle, this growth was achieved or planned to be achieved almost totally against borrowed money. When the inflows started drying up to. To repay the massive loans even more funds had to be borrowed from the loan sharks, the bank limit having already been breached. So this cycle of doom finally spiraled down to a shameful shocking and utterly avoidable collapse.
On the other hand I have seen another outfit, let’s call it XYZ. The promoters have vast estates of their own, lot of liquidity and being cash rich they have all the freedom to expand their business. But the approach is conservative and foundations are strong. They maintain clean books, pay their staff on time, service the clients as required and these are no defaults on any account. Deep pockets ensure stability and reassurance. This approach has bred a whole generation of loyal employees who have been with the Organization for 20-30 years – almost a work lifetime!
The lessons are clear – leaders have to be clear headed, choose their close advisors out of talented people with proven integrity and competence.
Top leaders have to have a vision and more importantly a viable strategy to attain that vision. Mapping the length and breadth(s) of the path to be taken requires more than an Excel Sheet and power point presentation. The quality of the Team matters foremost and sound business strategy and adequate financial muscle gives you a very strong footing.
And young leaders must remember the adage that “your business gets a boost when your wife becomes your secretary and gets ruined when your secretary becomes your wife”
Decisions, decisions. As a leader, they’re the currency of your day-to-day existence. From strategizing long-term goals to tackling immediate challenges, your choices shape the course of your team and the organization as a whole. But with so much riding on your judgment, how do you ensure you’re consistently making sound and informed decisions?
Fret not, fellow leader. Effective judgment isn’t some mystical ability reserved for the chosen few. It’s a skill that can be honed and developed through a combination of experience, knowledge, and a well-honed decision-making process. Let’s delve into some strategies that can help you navigate those inevitable forks in the road with confidence.
Imagine trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. Not exactly a recipe for success, right? Effective leadership judgment works similarly. The more you know about your industry, your team, and the broader business landscape, the better equipped you are to make informed choices.
This doesn’t mean you have to be an expert on everything. However, a solid understanding of relevant data, trends, and best practices forms the foundation of good judgment. Actively seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Read industry publications, attend conferences, and network with other leaders. The more you know, the more confident you’ll be in your decision-making abilities.
Every decision exists within a context. Before you jump to conclusions or make a snap judgment, take the time to gather all the necessary information. This means talking to your team members, stakeholders, and anyone else who might be impacted by your choice.
Consider different perspectives. What are the potential risks and rewards associated with each option? Are there any unforeseen consequences you might be overlooking? By taking a holistic approach and gathering comprehensive information, you’ll be able to see the bigger picture and make a more informed decision.
Information gathering is just the first step. Once you’ve assembled the facts, it’s time to critically analyze them. Don’t just accept information at face value. Question assumptions, identify biases, and weigh the evidence objectively.
Consider using decision-making frameworks like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or a cost-benefit analysis to help you evaluate your options. These tools can help you structure your thinking and ensure you’re not overlooking any crucial factors.
There’s a place for intuition in leadership. Sometimes, a well-honed gut feeling can nudge you in the right direction, even if the data isn’t entirely clear. However, it’s important not to rely solely on intuition.
Use your gut feeling as a starting point, but don’t let it override the information you’ve gathered through research and analysis. Think of intuition as a compass that can point you north, but you still need a map to navigate the journey.
Experience is a phenomenal teacher. The longer you lead, the more you’ll encounter different situations and the decisions you make will shape your judgment. Reflect on past experiences. What worked well? What could you have done differently? By learning from your successes and failures, you’ll develop a stronger sense of what constitutes a sound decision.
No one has a monopoly on good ideas. One of the best ways to improve your judgment is to surround yourself with a diverse team of advisors and colleagues. Seek out different viewpoints and encourage healthy debate. Hearing different perspectives can help you identify potential blind spots and make more well-rounded decisions.
After careful consideration, it’s time to make a decision. Don’t be afraid to act. Indecision can be just as detrimental as a poor choice. Once you’ve weighed the evidence, trust your judgment and move forward with confidence.
Remember, even the most experienced leaders make mistakes. The key is to learn from them. Evaluate the outcome of your decision. What went well? What could have been done differently? Use these lessons to refine your judgment and become a more effective leader in the 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