Sunday Times 2
A lesson in transformational leadership – by an officer par excellence
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“First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win”
So said Mahatma Gandhi; the architect of India’s freedom struggle, looking back on the journey to freedom. An extraordinary tale of transformational leadership in recent history.
Examples of transformational leadership are few. The reason being contemporary leaders focus more on transactional dealings which are more a give-and-take approach. Few are the souls who venture beyond to facilitate a holistic and higher level of elevation and achievement for the team, the cause, and the leader by bringing in transformation.
A modern-day epic example of transformational leadership can be found in the book “MY JOURNEY WITH THE COMMANDO ” by Lt. Col Sunil Peiris, retired military officer known as the “father of the Commandos”. It is to him that the gigantic responsibility of forming a “special force” to counter anti-aircraft hijack and terrorism was entrusted by the then Prime Minister late J R Jayewardene. It was done as required and beyond. The Commando Brigade today stands testimony to that. In his book the colonel tells the long journey of its evolution.
Clear vision and focus
Having been commissioned in the SL Army in August 1969 as second lieutenant in the 1st battalion of Gamunu Watch, Sunil Peiris rose to the rank of captain by 1977. It was at that time the then Army Commander, the late Gen Denis Perera, recommended to the then Prime Minister that Capt. Sunil Peiris, was the “exceptional officer” the PM was looking for to form the “special counter hijack anti-terrorist task force” in the army to counter possible threats to the proposed national airline.
The author recounts how perplexed Col. Peiris was with this task entrusted to him out of the blue; yet he envisioned the mission, goals and objectives of the unit and the supporting organisational structure as he thought fit, not looking for the next couple of years but into the indefinite future with designs for a bigger role for this “squadron” in the country.
His dream beyond the task at hand facilitated the evolution of the Commandos from a “Special Squadron” to a fully-fledged Regiment in July 1986 standing “six inches above ground” than the rest in the military amidst countless challenges.
Passion and conviction
He speaks of the midnight oil he burnt in planning the formation of the squadron and the tactful yet forceful approach he displayed with the commander downwards in getting what he wanted approved through the maze of military red tape.
Mention must be made of the initiatives he took to model the commandos in appearance, training, spirit and character, special recognition and compensation for men, developing the motto “Nothing Impossible” which stands to date. The icing on the cake are the specialist paratrooper training from the Indian Army, and anti-hijack and counter terrorism training from the British Army Training Team ensuring that the commandos were a class above the rest, ready to face any contingency.
Strength of character and courage
Laudable is the manner in which he overcame opposition even from friends and colleagues in the rank and file in setting up the commando unit, circumventing the Army bureaucracy, expanding the force from a mere unit to a squadron and a regiment to which soldiers aspired to join, refusing to send his men as cannon fodder when the political and military leadership thought of “trying out” commandos amidst unrealistic odds. A resistant and persistent soul to the core.
Communication
The book displays how focused and effective his communication had been. The commander requested him in the beginning to “rope in” suitable men from the Army’s teeth arms or fighting units. He had to market the proposed unit and its cause, motivating people to leave their mother units and try their hand in a new unit without yet a clear direction. This he achieved with his eloquent speech, booming voice, charming persona, and entertaining satire… not to mention the appealing attire. He talks about the times he had to brush off opposition with the art of asking people to go to hell so diplomatically that they “practically asked for directions!” Indeed.
Team building and an eye for talent
Lt. Col Sunil Peiris, or “The BOSS” as he was always affectionately called had an eye for talent. From the word go when he set out to form the “special unit” first by forming an initial task team, to the training team and to each intake of officers and men, he chose those he saw as people who made things happen. His choice of officers leading special operational platoons was spot on! The contribution by the commandos in the liberation of motherland from the northern terrorists is on record and accolades are many. A team is as strong as its weakest link. He onboarded the right people, nurtured and motivated them, equipped them and guided them. They either had to perform or depart. Such was the team blueprint of the “Maroon Berets.”
Hands on and attention to detail
The stories of operational engagements the author relates of fighting the enemy and the numerous hard training initiatives that were launched had his participation in full! From planning to execution. He led from the front, went into every detail and eventuality. Operations such as Annacottai, Punkudathivu, Manalkadu and Uththaraipuram stand ample testimony.
Discipline
He ruled with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Firm but fair. Tough but not abrasive. It takes ironclad discipline to bear arms, best in class at that, go through hardships, suffer physical and mental trauma and yet not pull the trigger needlessly or aimlessly at times of war and in times of peace. That’s the discipline of the Commandos.
The final episode in his journey with commandos was a sad and ugly tale of governance and rule. The author quit in disgust yet gracefully throwing away what could have been an illustrious and decorative career. His philosophy of “do the right thing and be damned” ensured that the cause of the Commandos transcended political hegemony and villainy.
Lt Col Sunil Dayalan Peiris has given the cause and his team inspirational motivation, idealised influence, individual consideration and intellectual stimulation. Truly transformational. Alas many such men do not hold positions of power and leadership in the nation’s governance and corporate echelons today. I salute him. An officer and a gentleman.
(Pradeepa Kekulawala is a senior corporate professional, a management thought provoker and HR development practitioner.)