Lessons from the Indian Army

Economic Times, published this lovely article about the Indian Army and there are a lot of lessons that corporate executives can pick-up from their best management practices. Therefore, employing an Ex Servicemen one has tapped a trained resource pool, that can make an impact in the corporate world.

Winner Every Time
The army believes in the doctrine of the “Warrior and a Winner”. In the battlefield, the “Winner Takes it All” and there’s no space for the second-best. Leaders instill the courage to swim against the tide and take risks. Leaders need to possess ingenuity and creativity to improve operating processes and procedures.

Flexibility
The army believes that no plan survives the first engagement, howsoever brilliant it is. Changes have to be incorporated after the enemy faces the first offensive and counters it. It’s important to be dynamic and flexible in decision-making.

Pay Packet
The army believes that money can’t bind an individual to an organization. The ethos, work culture and scope to achieve satisfaction are more important.

Command
The army follows the “directive style of command” where junior leaders don’t have to look over their shoulders at every stage of the battle. Flexibility and individual empowerment are important and bureaucracy does not work in the battlefield.

Motivation
The army doesn’t quantify productivity on monetary considerations. Esprit de corps, camaraderie, regimental pride, are some of the key motivators.

Intake
The army recruits through Screening Boards and Services selection Boards, the best and fittest are enrolled or commissioned. Many officers leave the Army mid-way as promotional chances are tunneled through a pyramid barrier. None the less the best are chosen for the Higher Command. Jawans mostly retire after an average stint of about 20 years.

Decision Making
In the battlefield, speed and boldness is more important than perfection. Indecisiveness can be a fatal flaw. An average decision taken on time can carry the day while a brilliant decision that came late can result in defeat.

Knowledge upgrade
The army believes sending its officers back to school to keep them updated. A high flying officer goes to top notch defence colleges every two to three years.

Know the way
Army leaders follow the dictum, “Know the way, show the way and go the way”