Personal Development Mentor, Parenting Coach, Career Counselor, Ethical Guide
KNOWLEDGE
- Sep 2, 2024
KNOWLEDGE
When I rejoined my unit after completing the Young Officers Course, I fell into Unit routine in a peace station effortlessly. PT in the morning, followed by training/office work, games in the afternoon and again some work in office/unit lines followed by night training or duty checking rounds.
The unit calendar had many events lined up for the training year which has many sports/professional competitions, collective exercises etc. etc. the inter unit firing competition was the very first lined up. I as a youngster who has just undergone extensive weapons training as part of YO course was obviously very active member of the line-up from my subunit.
We had about 25 days to practice and prepare ourselves. Our Team Leader was a senior qualified and highly intelligent Major who every day and every night supervised our firing practices. I was overawed by his knowledge of the finer points of zeroing the different weapons – carbines, semi-automatic rifles and the sniper rifles. He would check the position of the hit on the target and coach us how to get them to the bull’s eys. The challenges were many – different weapons, 12-14 individual firers, ever-changing wind conditions and most challenging night firing routine. He would even handle tweaking of sights himself while even the armourer and myself would be watching in awe.
Mind you I had just been freshly out of a very elaborate weapon course but did not have such detailed knowledge of how a weapon behaves upon firing and how to properly zero your weapons, tweak the firing position and firing drills, breath control etc etc as was being demonstrated by my Team Leader.
During those days and nights on the firing range I t dawned upon me that actual knowledge comes out of dedication and practical experience and is much deeper than what the formal courses or degrees can give you.
A leader with deep knowledge of his craft or profession does honour to the position he occupies and is followed by subordinates willingly.
Oh, and just to give you the update, way back then our Team Leader Major Rai made sure that our Team came on top every which way and won the firing competition!
In today’s fast-paced world, the only constant is change. With technology advancing at lightning speed and industries undergoing transformative shifts, the challenges we face demand innovative solutions. As a leader, this means committing to continuous learning and growth is not just beneficial; it’s crucial.
Consider this: how can you effectively lead if you’re relying on outdated information or methods? How can you inspire innovation if you’re not open to new ideas and approaches? Truly inspiring leaders are lifelong learners, continually expanding their knowledge and pushing the boundaries of their expertise.
But this doesn’t mean you need to become an expert in every field. The key is to develop a growth mindset—a belief that your knowledge and skills can always be enhanced through effort and learning. Here’s how you can cultivate this invaluable trait:
First, embrace curiosity. The journey of continuous learning starts with a curious mind. Never hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem basic. Great leaders understand that ignorance is not a flaw; the flaw lies in not being curious enough to learn. Actively seek out new information, whether through reading industry publications, attending workshops, or simply engaging in conversations with colleagues from different departments. The more you expose yourself to diverse perspectives and ideas, the more your knowledge base will grow.
Next, step outside your comfort zone. Real learning happens when we challenge ourselves. Volunteer for that demanding project you initially felt unsure about. Enroll in a course to acquire a new skill relevant to your field. These challenges will push you to learn and grow, thereby expanding your capabilities as a leader.
Learning from mistakes is another crucial aspect. Perfection is a myth; everyone makes mistakes. The key is to view these setbacks as opportunities to learn. Reflect on what went wrong, identify the root cause, and use this insight to improve your approach in the future. Encourage your team to adopt the same mindset. Create a safe space where they can openly discuss their mistakes and learn from each other’s experiences.
Being a mentor and a learner simultaneously is also vital. Leadership is not a one-way street. While it’s important to share your knowledge with your team, you should also be open to learning from them. Encourage team members to share their expertise and insights. Their unique perspectives can highlight new approaches and solutions you might not have considered.
Moreover, mentoring a less experienced colleague can be incredibly beneficial. Teaching someone else solidifies your own understanding and can provide valuable insights into your thought process. This dual role of mentor and learner enriches both your growth and that of your mentee.
Building a culture of learning within your team is the hallmark of a leader who values continuous growth. Here’s how to foster this environment:
Provide opportunities for professional development. Offer training programs, reimburse continuing education courses, and encourage attendance at industry events. Recognize and reward learning and growth. Celebrate your team members’ achievements in acquiring new skills and knowledge. Create a safe space for experimentation. Encourage your team to try new things, even if there’s a risk of failure. Focus on the lessons learned from these experiences rather than punishing failures.
Being a knowledgeable leader extends beyond expertise in your specific field. It involves developing soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for effectively leading a team, navigating complex situations, and making sound decisions.
By committing to continuous learning and growth, you set a powerful example for your team. You show the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas. This fosters a culture of learning and innovation, ultimately propelling your team towards greater success.
Remember, the journey of learning never ends. The most inspiring leaders embrace this lifelong pursuit of knowledge, constantly striving to become better and empowering their teams to do the same.
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
