Men Who Lead
The past two years of my life were laden with though painful, yet memorable experiences. In any country relying on a conscript army, the transition from civilian to militant is definitely an uphill task — the removal of freedom, the constant orders from our superiors, coupled with a rigid and age-old military hierarchy with it’s strict discipline and unwavering regimentation system — Many do not adapt.
I joined the infantry officer core after 1 year and a half of brutal cadet training which included braving the sweltering heat of the Brunei Jungle, a 9 day Jungle Confidence Course and back-to-back infantry missions on mountain peaks of Taiwan, in freezing conditions. I commissioned as fully-fledged 2nd Liteunant of the Singapore Armed Forces(SAF).
4 months after my grand event, I’m in a position where I reflect my current position in the army. There are many naysayers in the Singaporean community that express their discontent of the SAF, particularly of its compulsory national service, resulting in a 2 year pause in journey of millions of Singaporean Men. Many treat it as a chore, few are thrown into a position of command , and even fewer find meaning in what they do.The general argument is the opportunity cost of the 2 years served in the army — Time wastage, that could be translated into a plethora of additional benefits for Singapore in years to come if national service was not in place.
I have been exposed many times in these 4 short months in a situation where you are constantly squeezed by your higher-ranking officers higher up and also to cater to the demands of your subordinates with fairness— your specialists and your men under you. A sudden realization would be the amount of faith and command the SAF is committed to throw into young adolescent officers/specialists is nothing short but gargantuan. As individuals in a role of command, the impact we have on our men is tremendous, especially those that have just entered the service as fledglings. We are given such a huge leadership exposure that I feel is invaluable in our later stages of life — The ability to articulate clearly, to think on your feet, the confidence to address a platoon of your men, to be ever-ready for the new assignments thrown by our superiors, and to constantly mold yourself into the person which carries the burden of responsibility and a role model for your men. The life lessons learnt are in massive abundance, but we must have the courage and the soul to embrace this fully .
The words of one of my senior officers will always be engraved in my head —
“ Leadership with example is the most valuable and effective weapon in your available arsenal as a leader and commander.”
Simply put, if you want people to follow you, the first fundamental step is to do it yourself first. Throughout my exposure, there are a few pivotal lessons I have learnt in order to lead well.
- Exude confidence and sangfroid.
Be confident, and back up this confident with thorough research and practice, especially when you present your work or to your colleagues/subordinates.
2. Mean what you say — Everything you say, everything you claim, mean it, do it. Else don’t say it.
3. Give your best in situations you feel uncomfortable in. Applying your 100% in aspects of life which you are not enjoying yourself will allow you to apply tenfold of that capacity into the things you like.
4. Knowing when to say what to say. You are directly judged through what you do and what you say. Be really careful and conscious of what comes out of your mouth. Really.
5. Be courageous enough to take calculated risks. Leadership is hardly required in waters where the ship is stable and water calm.When the storm brews leaders must display fortitude and be ready to take risks to survive.
“You might never fail on the scale that I did, but it is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all in which case, you fail by default” — JK Rowling
6. Smile. It’s really simple, yet people forget to do so on a daily basis, nor do they appreciate it’s significance.
7. Realize that your words and actions mean the world to many of your men.
The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is. -Jim Carrey
The SAF has taught me many life lessons, opened my eyes to the bigger picture. I’m nowhere a perfect leader, but the army sure taught me valuable lessons.