FLASHBACK BALAKOT: INTERVIEW WITH INDIA TV
18: CHINA THROUGH USA PRISM (Indo – China Perspective) Part – 1
This is in continuation to the earlier post on the subject (please click here to view).
First part of the recently published Annual Report to US Congress on military and security developments involving the people’s republic of china deals with understanding Chinese Strategy.
China’s National Strategy
Excerpt from US Report. The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) strategy aims to achieve “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049.
Comments. China seems to be doing well and achieving the landmarks before the stipulated timelines.
Excerpt from US Report. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) frames this strategy as an effort to realize long-held nationalist aspirations to “return” China to a position of strength, prosperity, and leadership on the world stage.
Comments. China aspires to be “the only sun in the sky”. They view the world to be in the shape of a cone with China in the center and on top of it.
Excerpt from US Report. China’s strategy can be characterized as a determined pursuit of political and social modernity.
Comments. China is pursuing her goal with determination and vigor. Achieving political and social modernity seems to be from her point of view and is not the same as perceived by the rest of the world.
Excerpt from US Report. It includes far-ranging efforts to expand China’s national power, perfect its governance systems, and revise the international order.
Comments. Expanding her national power and perfecting her governance system is acceptable to the rest of the world. Revision of international order as viewed by China amounts to ruling the world, which is objectionable to the others.
Excerpt from US Report. The CCP’s leadership has long viewed China as embroiled in a major international strategic competition with other states, including, and in particular, the United States.
Comments. Chinese mind set is archaic and that of competition, with aspiration to be ahead of everyone. The world has moved on to the concept of Co-omperation i.e. be cooperative while being competitive.
Excerpt from US Report. In 2019, China intensified its efforts to advance its overall development including steadying its economic growth, strengthening its armed forces, and taking a more active role in global affairs.
Comments. There could be few possible reasons for this. First is that CPC’s centenary year 2021 is approaching. Second is attempt by Xi Jinping to further consolidate his position and third is impatience to achieve the Chinese dream. Timing of the Covid pandemic and way of handling it by China, leaves quite a few questions unanswered. It could be a part of the overall strategy.
Please feel free to express your views and provide value addition.
Part 2 of the series would cover aspects related to foreign and economic policies.
17: LEADERSHIP SERIES: TALK
Leadership Lessons From A Fighter Pilot
Friday, 16-10-2020, 05:00 pm IST (Duration 1 hour)
SPEAKER: Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, VM
Former Vice Chief of Indian Air Force
The event went off very well.
Covered talk under three parts as follows:
Fighter Pilot Traits
“Fighter pilot is an attitude. It is cockiness. It is aggressiveness. It is self-confidence. It is a streak of rebelliousness, and it is competitiveness. But there’s something else – there’s a spark. There’s a desire to be good. To do well; in the eyes of your peers, and in your own mind.”
– Fighter Pilot
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- It is not all glamour.
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- It involves lot of hard work – to become one and to continue performing as one.
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- It involves lot of Studies.
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- It is not as risky as it seems – safer than Indian roads.
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- It requires high level of physical and mental fitness.
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- Self discipline is an essential trait.
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- Qualities required are:-
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- Physical and moral courage.-
- Integrity & Loyalty
- Reliability & Dependability
- Passion
- Dedication
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Leadership Aspects
Everyone who has someone looking up to him or her is a leader. Some practical leadership aspects highlighted were as follows:
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- Lead by example, Follow adage : “Do as I Do rather than Do as I say”.
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- Leader has to be honest, fair and transparent in his/her dealings.
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- Change in style of leadership required in this information age. From TELL type to SELL type.
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- As a leader delegation of tasks to subordinates is important. Task is delegated not the responsibility. Post delegation give space to work, rather than constantly overlooking their shoulders. Upward delegation should be avoided.
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- Inculcate feeling of ownership amongst colleagues and subordinates for better involvement.
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- Open communication lines are essential. They should not be linear and long.
Good Working Environment and Culture
Following aspects were stressed:
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- Team work and team building is important.
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- Encourage initiative and involvement and habit of going beyond routine.
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- Adopt proactive approach for planning and execution.
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- Efficient feed back and monitoring system is a must.
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- Encourage research, brainstorming, out of box thinking and innovative approach.
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- Encourage healthy discussions. Difference of opinion should not be construed as dissent.
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- Training, grooming and mentoring are important for the organization.
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- Promote safety culture.
Interactive Session
Interactive session was quite long (extending almost to one hour). Questions and discussions were about following:
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- How to balance between delegation and ownership.
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- China situation and solutions.
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- Balakot strike experience.
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- Decision making process.
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- Quality of manpower and shortages.
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- Compulsory military service.
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- Procurement procedure and corruption.
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- Sharing of experiences related to
- Scary experiences.
- Difficult decisions.
- Most exhilarating events.
- Sharing of experiences related to
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- Women in Defense services (Air Force)
Video Recording Due to technical glitch entire session could not be recorded. Some portion of the Q& A session has been recorded. Please check out at:
Shark in the tank theory of management was covered.
(will write about it in future under management series).