That’s Corporal Lee’s Job

    

            My first individual official visit to Sydney Military Units (wherein I had that interesting revelation by the Mercedes chauffeur who turned out to be an ex Major) was scheduled sometimes in April (after my close encounter with the ATM). Since I was unaware of the procedure and pre-departure actions I sought and got an appointment with Maj Col Flatters the Major-in-charge Administration of the Staff College. After having a seat opposite his desk, I told him about my forthcoming visit and sought guidance from him as to how should I go about arranging it? His prompt reply was, “Have you seen Corporal Lee?”

            I told him that I intended to but thought that he (Corporal Lee) would first require instructions from the Major and then do whatever needed to be done. (As was and continues to be the case in our Army – I am not well versed with the inner systems of the Navy and the Air Force) To this the Major retorted, “It’s Corporal Lee’s job and he knows how to do it.”

            So I asked him, “Incidentally Col, what is your job?”

            I still remember his reply which I tried my best to emulate. He told me, “Mahendra, I have three responsibilities. These are – first, I am responsible to the Boss for efficient functioning of my department; second, I am responsible to lay down the policy according to which my subordinates will function while under me and third, I am responsible to ensure that they get the resources that they need in order to do their jobs efficiently. Period!”

            How crystal clear and unambiguous? I wish we too were able to function like this where the subordinates – especially at the NCO level are given their own space and self respect so as to boost their confidence and help them become good leaders at section and platoon levels. How many senior officers allow this in their units and sub units? Because of this lack of delegation of routine responsibilities and functions, we breed junior leaders who wait for orders and are hesitant to take initiative – exceptions notwithstanding.

            It was interesting to see the expression on the face of Corporal Lee (of the missing box fame which happened about six months later) when I went to him ultimately. He smiled, rolled up his eyes and said, “Sir, I was wondering when you would find time to come to me. I am sure the Major was unable to do anything for you.”