Military Secrets to Leading Under Pressure: Lessons from the Indian Army

The Mastermind podcast recently featured an insightful conversation between host Razum Rajan and Lt. Gen. Balbir Singh Sandhu (Retd.), a decorated officer of the Indian Army with nearly five decades of military experience. This episode delves into the parallels between military leadership and corporate management, revealing timeless lessons applicable across sectors. Lt. Gen. Sandhu shares stories and principles from his extensive career, offering valuable takeaways on leadership, discipline, decision-making, and adaptability under pressure.

The Military Mindset: A Commitment to Discipline and Consistency

From a young age, Lt. Gen. Sandhu was immersed in a life of discipline, having joined a Sainik school at age nine before moving on to the National Defense Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Throughout his career, the emphasis on consistency and excellence was ingrained, shaping his approach to leadership. He notes that discipline is not a trait one is born with, but a skill developed through rigorous training and a commitment to continuous improvement.

In contrast to the struggle many young executives face with maintaining consistency, Sandhu suggests that early exposure to a holistic routine—balancing academics, sports, and military training—helps in developing a self-sustaining momentum. This cultivated habit of striving for excellence and adhering to structured routines becomes foundational for success, whether in military operations or corporate endeavors.

The Essence of Leadership: Trust and the Power of Shared Stories

A key aspect of military success, as Lt. Gen. Sandhu explains, lies in the deep bond between soldiers and their leaders. This relationship is built on trust, fostered through shared experiences and a common purpose. In the army, soldiers come from diverse backgrounds but are unified by training, a commitment to a shared mission, and, significantly, by storytelling—whether it’s recounting past victories or honoring fallen comrades. These narratives create a culture of unity and inspire soldiers to go beyond their limits.

Drawing a parallel to corporate leadership, Sandhu emphasizes the importance of leaders connecting with their teams on a personal level. When a leader understands the individual stories of their employees—their backgrounds, challenges, and aspirations—it fosters a culture of empathy and mutual respect. This approach can transform a hierarchical structure into a cohesive unit where every member feels valued and motivated.

Balancing Ambition with Capability: A Caution Against Overreaching

One of the recurring themes in the conversation is the mismatch between ambition and capability, especially among young leaders. Sandhu observes that many aspire to achieve great success but are often unwilling to undergo the rigorous process of skill development and planning. He advises a more balanced approach—setting realistic goals while steadily building the capabilities necessary to achieve them.

In both military and corporate environments, this means understanding one's limitations and preparing to overcome them through training and strategic planning. The military principle of "contingency planning" is particularly relevant here. It’s not enough to have a plan; one must also anticipate potential setbacks and have backup strategies ready. In the corporate world, this can be seen in risk management practices, where leaders must evaluate different scenarios and adapt to changing circumstances.

Decision-Making Under Pressure: The Value of Quick, Workable Solutions

Decisiveness is a hallmark of effective leadership, but Lt. Gen. Sandhu challenges the notion that decisions must always be the "best" ones. Instead, he advocates for decisions that are "workable" given the constraints and the urgency of the situation. In military operations, there is often no luxury of time for exhaustive deliberation. Leaders must evaluate the available options, make a quick decision, and adjust the plan as circumstances evolve.

This approach is equally relevant in the corporate world, where market conditions can change rapidly, requiring swift action. Sandhu’s principle of evaluating options and settling on the "most likely" effective course of action is a valuable lesson for business leaders. The Harvard Business Review’s findings on the importance of decisiveness in leadership echo this sentiment, affirming that speed of decision-making often correlates with perceived competence and actual performance.

Navigating Uncertainty: Lessons in Contingency and Adaptability

The conversation frequently returns to the concept of navigating uncertainty, an inherent challenge in both military and corporate landscapes. Sandhu recounts instances where his unit had to pivot their strategies in response to unforeseen challenges during operations. In particular, he references the famous military adage, "no plan survives first contact with the enemy," emphasizing the importance of flexibility and readiness to adapt.

In the business context, uncertainty has become even more pronounced in the post-pandemic world, with many startups grappling with the need to pivot quickly. Sandhu’s advice to corporate leaders is clear: always have contingency plans in place. It’s essential to prepare for the unexpected by not only considering potential risks but also by training teams to act decisively when circumstances demand a change in strategy. This mindset can transform uncertainty from a source of fear into an opportunity for innovation.

Logistics and the Non-Romantic Aspects of Leadership

One of the lesser-discussed facets of military operations is logistics, which Sandhu highlights as crucial to any successful campaign. He shares the example of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, where logistical preparation was a determining factor in the conflict’s outcome. Gen. Sam Manekshaw, the then Chief of Army Staff, postponed military action to ensure logistical readiness, demonstrating that strategic patience and logistical foresight are as vital as combat readiness.

In the corporate realm, logistics may not have the same life-or-death implications, but its significance cannot be overstated. Efficient supply chain management, the infusion of technology, and risk mitigation are essential for operational success. Sandhu points out that while technology has advanced logistics in many industries, there is still a need for more seamless integration to optimize supply chain performance.

The Leader's Role: Connecting with the Frontlines

Lt. Gen. Sandhu’s reflections also touch upon the importance of leaders connecting with the "frontlines"—whether in the military or business. In the army, officers are expected to live and train alongside their soldiers, sharing the same conditions and understanding their challenges. This approach fosters a bond of mutual respect and ensures that leaders are attuned to the realities on the ground.

For corporate leaders, this translates into engaging directly with employees, understanding their day-to-day challenges, and participating in the work when possible. Simple gestures, such as checking in on an employee’s well-being or acknowledging their hard work, can significantly boost morale and productivity. Sandhu’s experiences suggest that leaders who are present and empathetic can cultivate a stronger, more committed team.

Embracing Failure: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

When discussing failure, Sandhu emphasizes the distinction between calculated risks and reckless decisions. He acknowledges that not all decisions will lead to success, but leaders must be prepared to make mid-course corrections. The ability to regroup, assess the situation, and redirect efforts is essential for bouncing back from setbacks.

His message to entrepreneurs and business leaders is straightforward: failure is not the end but an opportunity to reevaluate and adapt. Drawing parallels from military tactics, such as maneuver warfare, he explains how retreating strategically can be a precursor to a more successful counterattack. In business, this means being willing to pivot and explore alternative paths when initial strategies fall short.

Bringing Military DNA to Corporate Leadership

Lt. Gen. Sandhu’s insights reveal that many principles of military leadership—discipline, decision-making, adaptability, and empathy—are equally applicable in the corporate world. His stories and experiences serve as a reminder that while environments may differ, the fundamentals of leading under pressure remain consistent. Whether in the boardroom or the battlefield, leaders who cultivate resilience, foster teamwork, and maintain a clear focus on their mission are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their roles.

The lessons shared in this podcast episode underscore the enduring relevance of military strategies in modern business, offering a fresh perspective on leadership that goes beyond conventional management theories. As companies continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape, the ability to adapt and lead with integrity will distinguish successful leaders from the rest.

For a deeper dive into this conversation, watch the full episode of The Mastermind podcast featuring Lt. Gen. Balbir Singh Sandhu here: Military Secrets to Leading Under Pressure - Lessons from the Indian Army.