Personal Development Mentor, Parenting Coach, Career Counselor, Ethical Guide
TACT
- Sep 30, 2024
TACT
The Army is very hierarchical organisation wherein the chain of command is the main link for executing the Army orders, policies and SOPs.
The pinnacle of command (up to two star rank that I finally retired with) are Commanding Officer, Brigade Commander and General Officer Commanding. These three appointments are true feathers in your cap and are cherished greatly by career officers. When one is in command the tenure generally lasts for around two years. An officer always aspires to command his troops and higher formation and will aim to execute all ideas and plans held dear to his heart.
Generally things go smoothly coasting down the hill leading to great sense of achievement, pride and satisfaction. More or less because authority of the top man is not challenged as officers down the chain are much junior to him and eager to prove themselves for their respective career advancement. Sometimes when you have a person who is not meeting one of the above two criteria, Commanders need to handle them with care and lot of tact in order to be able to execute their own vision smoothly.
Twice in my career, I had had my immediate No 2 who happened to be my course mate at the last and final rank of his career. These were people with whom I had trained in the Academy as a cadet and we passed out together. One of them was in my own Company and the other from neighbouring Company, but from the same battalion. One was even senior to me in passing out merit list! And we had been very good friends all along. Somehow they did not make it to the next rank and then got me as their immediate superior officer and boss!
Both happened to be already esconsed in their position for about a year when I took over the respective command appointment. They had their own focus areas and way of working in tune with the previous incumbent. It was very natural for them to see me as their course mate and not as a superior officer whose every world should be taken as a command.
Imagine my additional burden of taking extreme care to not make them feel below me in stature. I had to deal with them totally in a different way because the orders can not be shouted down to your course mate from the training academy.
Or course I must place in record their efforts to offer full cooperation and support to my vision implementation. However I used to be walking on egg shells in my sincere efforts not to upset my friends of more than two decades. I am unable to quote specific incidents but you will surely get the drift.
Tact is the lubricant which allows us to glide through tough situations effortlessly.
Communication, a cornerstone of leadership, is not always straightforward. There are moments when delivering difficult news or addressing sensitive issues demands finesse. This is where tact comes into play.
Tact serves as the social lubricant, allowing smooth navigation through tricky situations. It involves delivering messages with diplomacy and sensitivity, ensuring understanding without causing offense. It’s about saying what needs to be said in a manner that fosters cooperation.
Understanding your audience is paramount. Consider their communication style and potential sensitivities. Tailor your message accordingly. For instance, when providing critical feedback to a sensitive team member, choose words carefully and focus on actionable improvements.
Focus on facts and behaviors when addressing concerns. Avoid personal attacks or inflammatory language, as they can hinder productive dialogue. Shift the conversation to be solution-oriented, promoting collaboration rather than blame.
Empathy is key. Before engaging in difficult conversations, consider the other person’s perspective. Understanding their motivations and concerns allows for tailored communication, fostering openness and receptivity.
Timing and location matter. Critical feedback should be delivered in private, away from distractions. Choose a time when your audience is receptive and not under stress, ensuring a focused discussion.
Even when delivering challenging news, positive framing is powerful. Present problems as opportunities for growth and improvement. Collaborate on solutions to empower your audience and foster shared responsibility.
Body language is crucial. Maintain eye contact, use open gestures, and avoid defensive postures. A calm and professional demeanor sets a positive tone for communication.
Knowing when to remain silent is also important. In moments of anger or frustration, take a step back before engaging. Sometimes, active listening is more effective than immediate input.
Developing tact requires practice and self-awareness. Refining this skill enables effective navigation of difficult conversations, strengthening relationships, and cultivating a positive work environment.
Tact is not about sugarcoating reality but delivering messages with diplomacy, empathy, and a focus on solutions. Mastering this art enhances leadership effectiveness, inspiring and guiding teams through challenges.
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
