In order to be a mentally strong military leader, you need to understand fellow officers, superiors and subordinate officers, JCOs and NCOs. You need to develop an emotional intelligence unlike anything else. No matter what hardship you or your men faces you needs to be able to traverse through it like a victorious pride of lions. Most defence aspirants aren’t aware of their mental strength and this is because it’s difficult to measure at face value but there comes a time during your SSB preparation when you despite getting conference out, don’t feel disappointed as you are mentally strong to take rejection and failure while having the ability to bounce back from the rock bottom. That said there are definitely characteristics that a most mentally strong SSB Candidates possesses.
Here are six signs that you’re a mentally strong defence aspirant:
High Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to manage and identify your own emotions as well as those of others. This is truly the core of being a mentally strong leader. As you will start the GTO Day 1, you will be presented with challenges in every single task. For example, you can’t let your emotions rule over yourself in case of disagreements within the group and ruin group dynamics. If you let your emotions get the best of you in these situations it’ll only do more harm and you won’t be feeling enthusiastic when working with those group members in other tasks such as GPE, GOR, and PGT etc.
A mentally strong candidate is able to keep their emotions in check and put the group dynamics first and conducts the group tasks in an amicable manner. In addition, they are able to evaluate others and navigate the complexities of their egos by not proving other group members wrong but plainly putting forth their own views with strong reasoning.
Admit Your Flaws And Work On Them
No leader or individual is considered perfect and especially not an SSB candidate. That said it takes a certain type of candidate with a leader mindset to be able to admit their flaws. For example, it is easy to break rules in GTO tasks but not to repeat them because the GTO isn’t watching you or haven’t noticed you but imagine the character of repeating the obstacles because you have broken the rule and you understand the gravity of doing so. If you try and mask your insecurities it will eventually backfire on you. If you wear your insecurities on your sleeve then you’ll be forced to make an effort to improve and grow stronger. That’s how candidates with strong mental aptitude come back again and again by improving aspects of their personality and bag the recommendation.
Seek Review and Welcome Criticism
Even if you’re the Commanding Officer of a regiment, it’s certain that there are multiple areas where you can improve and enhance your skills. Nobody knows all the answers and its okay to say, “Sorry, Sir. I don’t know the answer to this question but I will surely find out” in front of the IO in SSB Interview. As a mentally strong candidate, you need to welcome criticism with open arms and should seek performance reviews from fellow group members. Your group members during PGT and GPE may see decisions you’ve made in a totally different light and aspect, and their views should be considered too.
You Know When to Ask And Give Help
A mentally strong candidate knows their limitations too. When you’re in charge it’s tough to step down in certain situations and ask for guidance like in command task or GOR. You may think it’ll cause the GTO to lose confidence in your abilities. But things happen and if you are stuck real bad at some point then go ahead and you may ask the fellow group members for support in and don’t forget to reciprocate the same when someone else needs your help.
Your ultimate goal as a commander in Command Task is to clear the obstacle and complete your mission without causing any injury or loss to any men or material. You need to select your subordinate based on their merits in GTO tasks and not because they are your roomies or friends. That means you need to find the individual that is the best fit for the Command Task.
You Welcome Confrontation
Similar to criticism it’s important to not shy away from confrontations. Whether it comes from an internal or external player a mentally strong leader will welcome a healthy argument with open arms. Holding these conversations are often uncomfortable and can get heated at times. That said these conversations are vital to helping everyone come together as a team.
Be Confident, Not Arrogant
There’s a fine line between being confident and arrogant during GTO testing, and this line, if crossed, can lead you to sabotage your SSB attempt. Many candidates feel that they need not be polite to everyone or should dominate the group discussions. They tend to impose their view on everyone else in the group and don’t concur with the group solution in GPE even after an extensive GD. You may know the intricacies of trying different types of knots and bridging of every kind but if you aren’t considering the ideas of others when you are stuck then it raises questions on your confidence. As a confident young candidate, you should be acceptable to multiple views from your group members to cross the obstacle path as soon as possible.
Mentally strong candidates have confidence in their abilities and refrain from letting their ego get in the way. They recognize the worth of their team and are constantly willing to learn new things.
Final Thoughts
Every candidate has the ability to develop stronger mental fortitude in the course of their SSB attempts. If you’re able to build this muscle it’ll serve you in both armed forces and life. That said if you exhibit any of the characteristics above, keep it up you’re well on your way to the recommendation.
You can prepare for defence entrance exams such as NDA, AFCAT, INET, and CDS by taking Written Online courses as they will not only give you access to full-length quality lectures but will also provide the facility to take standardized mock tests for better study and strategic growth in the exam. You can take multiple quizzes after each lesson to ensure the full understanding of the subject along with creating your customized lesson plans. You can check out the course content along with other important specifics at SSBCrackExams.
You can also access them through the SSBCrackExams app available in the google play store. Jai Hind.
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