Three things that organisations can learn from the Indian Army

Based on conversations with army officers.

1) Leading from the front and by example.

Simon Sinek wrote a great leadership book called “ Leaders eat last”. The book on the army leadership style could be called “leading from the front”.

In combat, the officer, who is the leader of the unit, always leads the charge from the front. He does not shy away from danger. He does not hide behind the jawans. He does everything that he expects from his soldiers.

It earns him the respect and loyalty of his men- Who in turn won’t think twice about sacrificing their lives for their leader.

Good organisations also encourage their leaders to do everything that they expect of the rank and file.

2) The quality of hiring is never compromised

The Indian army in recent years has faced a shortage of officers. Thanks to the economic boom, young people have many lucrative career options and fewer people aspire for the hard life of the army which also cannot compete in terms of remuneration.

Measures have been taken to address this by increasing compensation. Which has helped a little. But the army has never compromised its high standards. If enough men don’t meet the criteria then those seats remain vacant. They aren’t filled by sub optimal men.

Organisations rarely have such high standards.

3) Only use the best officers for training

The key instructors at the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy are usually the officers, who topped the course when they were at the academy. They are the best of the best. Those who can actually show how it’ done. Not just teach theory. Being an instructor is an honour.

The trainers in most organisations cannot make any such claims. Training is a trainers job. And the trainer is never a top performer. People often don’t think too highly of them. The results are not surprising.

More power to the Indian Army. Jai Hind.