VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

The most prominent Indian examples of Visionary Leadership to my mind are two. One concerns the 1971 War. It is well documented that the Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi wanted the attack on East Pakistan to be launched in the month of April 1971. She called the then Army Chief General (later Field Marshal) SHFJ Manekshaw to her office and gave the go ahead for the same. He declined with good reasons. He informed the PM that he needed time to shift forces from Western borders to East and stock up the required ammunition, supplies and other logistic stores which will take few months. Moreover he rightly assessed that from the month of May/Jun onwards monsoons will start softening the soil and making slush ponds of the fields. The rivers and minor drains will swell up to become obstacles and movement of heavy vehicles, artillery guns and tanks will be severely hampered. Moreover the operation should be launched in winters so that the Himalayan passes are closed with snowfall and China can not interfere from the North.

Thankfully the PM agreed, Army Chief got the required time to orchestrate his ground forces and established coordination with sister services for grand success of 1971 war in the month of December.

The second example is setting up of the dedicated Counter Insurgency Force the Rashtriya Rifles by the vision of the then Chief Late General BC Joshi. He could visualise the need of a new organisation with six companies to every battalion without heavy weapons and drawn from mixed all India all class background. This took off the major load of running these operations from Infantry and gave an opportunity to even support arms to have operational exposure. Moreover his stipulation of a permanent area of responsibility to every battalion and formation HQ with only one third of manpower being turned over each year was a masterstroke. This enabled stability of influence due to familiarity with terrain and continuing intelligence gathering efforts. So much so that RR has been found necessary to be expanded and is now shouldering major burden of ensuring safety stability and tranquility in J&K state. Both the above examples show how a long sighted vision of a leader can transform an organisation and bring forth astounding results whose ripple effect continues for many many years!

In the realm of leadership, there exists a profound concept known as visionary leadership. Picture this scenario: You’re faced with an empty canvas, symbolizing the future of your team, project, or organization. What materializes in your mind’s eye? Is it a chaotic array of colors and shapes, or does a clear, captivating image emerge, stirring your zeal and propelling you into action? Visionary leaders are akin to skilled artists, adept at transforming that blank canvas into a masterpiece.

They possess a unique talent: not merely setting objectives, but painting a vivid portrait of the future—a future that inspires, motivates, and unifies their team in a collective vision. So, how does one nurture this visionary prowess? Let’s delve into the essential elements of inspiring a shared dream:

Firstly, anchoring your journey in a North Star: defining your vision. At the heart of visionary leadership lies a crystal-clear and meticulously outlined vision. This goes beyond mere rhetoric or catchy phrases; it involves pinpointing the “why” behind your endeavors—the fundamental purpose propelling you and your team forward.

What impact do you aspire to make? What problem drives your quest for solutions? What legacy do you seek to imprint? By addressing these inquiries and articulating a coherent vision, you furnish your team with a roadmap—a guiding beacon that sustains their motivation and directs their focus towards the overarching goal.

Next, breathe life into your vision by painting a compelling narrative. Visionary leaders excel as storytellers, adept at conveying their vision in a manner that resonates deeply with their audience. Utilize evocative language, captivating metaphors, and a dash of fervor to animate your vision. Envision the future state you aim to realize in a manner that engenders understanding and connection among all stakeholders. Imagine yourself as a director crafting a tantalizing movie trailer—a preview that leaves your team eagerly anticipating the full-length feature film.

Furthermore, intertwine individual roles with the overarching vision. A truly inspirational vision thrives on the premise of interconnectedness. Guide your team members in recognizing how their unique contributions intertwine with the bigger picture. Illuminate the ways in which their daily endeavors propel the collective dream forward. By elucidating these connections and fostering a sense of ownership, you imbue their work with profound meaning—it transcends mere tasks, becoming a purposeful contribution to a grander narrative.

Visionary leadership transcends rhetoric; it embodies action. As the leader, you set the tone for your team. Your passion for the vision becomes infectious, motivating others to emulate your dedication. Demonstrate your commitment through actions, decisions, and unwavering resolve. Serve as the living embodiment of the envisioned future. Witnessing your fervor and steadfastness, your team finds renewed vigor, spurred to offer their utmost.

Navigating the path to success entails embracing the unpredictable. A visionary leader remains adaptable and flexible, adept at recalibrating strategies when confronted with unforeseen challenges. Foster open communication within your team, confronting obstacles head-on, and collaboratively devising solutions. Such resilience ensures progress towards the shared dream, even amidst adversity.

In the pursuit of your vision, remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Milestones—both minor and monumental—serve as beacons of progress. Acknowledge your team’s efforts and achievements, fueling their enthusiasm for the journey ahead. These celebrations reaffirm their progress, invigorating their commitment to the collective aspiration.

Visionary leadership isn’t about individual accolades; it’s about collective triumphs. By instilling a shared dream, you cultivate a potent force propelling your team beyond boundaries, surmounting challenges, and achieving extraordinary feats collectively. A shared vision fosters unity and purpose, breeding collaboration and innovation. It empowers individuals to embrace ownership, go the extra mile, and contribute their best selves to the collective endeavor.

Major General Balraj Mehta

About the Author : 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

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP