One of the characteristics that is highly acknowledged and attributed to winning teams is that they are disciplined.  I do think discipline is important and good coaches will be concerned about it.  The question I have is œwhat is discipline really?

I think that many people think that disciplined teams, for example, LOOK a particular way.  If this were true would the project team at work, the basketball team at the high school and the college marching band have the same look?

I hardly think so.  Lets examine the œlook first.  What are the qualifiers we would use to describe the disciplined team?  They would be well-drilled, no mistakes, sharp execution, etc.

I think having to look a particular way is a limitation.  Lets look at the college marching band.  Is it Florida A&M or Ohio State?  Both fine bands.  Do you think they will even remotely look the same?  Not even close.  Does that make one of them undisciplined?

In the work place, is the project team at their desks or spread about the office.  Or, are they spread around a job site or in a single room together?

What about the local high school basketball team that has adopted former Loyola-Marymount University coach, Paul Westheads philosophy.  Run, run, run and then run some more.  The late Hank Gathers, Bo Kimble and crew advanced deep into the NCAA playoffs using that style.  I guarantee that they will not look like any other team around.  Does that mean they are without discipline?

An army drill sergeant can take a group of raw recruits and in eight weeks have them look good on the parade grounds.  Does this mean they are ready to do battle?  Not a chance.

You see, I think the look is related to being under œcontrol.  Control is an illusion.  Yet, we keep trying.   Expending precious energy on control is akin to pushing a noodle up the hill from the back end.  Effort, struggle and little to no real results.

If discipline doesnt look a particular way and it is an intention to control what do I use to evaluate the discipline of my team?  Funny you should ask.

First thing I would like you to consider is that discipline is a result.  I know, Mrs. Wilcox, it can be a noun or a verb (She was my 7th grade teacher and she knew her stuff).  For our purposes here lets stick to the noun.

œIf discipline is a result, what produces the result?, you ask.  Great question.  I am so glad you asked.  It is a combination of things.  I will address each one, briefly.  I say briefly since I could write a chapter on each one.

PURPOSE”Each activity needs a clearly defined purpose and who we will have to be to deliver on that purpose.

INTENTION”The way you will approach each day and each activity of the day.  Your intention needs to be larger than lifes circumstances.  You know the reasons why we didnt get the job done.  Keep rockin and rollin even when you are having a hard time hearing the music.

COMMITMENT”Create a future (being a champion, best in the business, on time, under budget, etc.).  Commit to it.  Identify the commitments that are going to get you there and the goals and milestones that will tell you that you are on track.

As far as I am concerned, discipline is knowing what is wanted and needed and providing it. Clarity of action not a formula of some kind.  Not blind obedience.  Being willing to question the process so as to better be able to provide what is wanted and needed.

All the leaders reading this,  it all starts with your self-discipline.  Do you walk your talk?  Are you who you say you are, in the action?