1. I got these two from my Commanding Officer (CO; a
veteran of three wars; 1962, 1965 and 1971) while I was a senior major,
commanding an infantry company. I have tried my level best to forget the
Severest of Reprimand that I ever received, but unable to do so.
2. It was the incident of 1987 during an inter-company
boxing match. The CO was the referee in the ring and I was one of the judges.
Everything was manual. It was a fight of two boxers in the light fly weight. My
company boy was contesting a good boxer from the other company. At the end of
three rounds of fight, the difference between the two boxers was just of 19-20.
My company boy was 19 and the other company was 20. But at that time I forgot
my honour of being fair and gave my company boy 20 points as the winner. When
the result sheets reached the CO, he examined the results and gave me a look----
which gave me shivers like an electric current; the look I would like to forget
but unable to forget. Through his facial expression and the eyes he conveyed
his severest of reprimand to me. Thereafter he never mentioned a word about it.
3. On another occasion, the same CO, assigned me the task
to train the battalion for the inter-battalion completion at the formation
level. In this 100% present and medically fit persons were required to take
part involving a run of 26 KM with complete battle gear culminating into
shooting competition at the firing range. Two or three battalions took part
daily and it continued for several days. Our turn was the last, on the final
day. We stood first both in running and shooting. The second battalion was far
behind. I expected that since this has been a spectacular achievement, he would
come and shake my hand, pat my back or even hug me physically. But nothing like
that happened. He looked at me. Gave me a grin and a very short movement of his
head as appreciation. This was the best appreciation I have ever received.
4. The CO, did not speak even a single syllable but
conveyed everything that he wanted. If we examine these two communications from
the leadership and management point of view, these amply prove the significance
of face to face communication, communication by facial expression, instant
communication, very effective communication and unforgettable communication.
These two communications were not just the business communications, but were
filled with emotions.
5. Although these two incidents took place 28 years back,
but even today in the modern digital world of emails, WhatsApp, SMS and many
more, face to face communication is far ahead of all other forms of
communicating.
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