Use Discipline, but be carefull

In this era the concept of discipline took on a negative meaning, and in both child-rearing and education it seemed there was an implication that discipline would stifle self-expression or individuality. Most people don't realize that without discipline there is chaos. Actually the word discipline comes from the Latin word “disciplina,” meaning instruction or training, and it is a positive and necessary thing when used wisely and carefully. As a leader in our department we should do not shy away from discipline when it is needed. It is an opportunity and a challange at the same time to teach our subordinate, return them to the right track and to help them to improve.

In saying that we also have to be carefull and avoid become department head or supervisors who have a philosophy called “ my way or the highway”. As this kind of manager or supervisor run their operations by fear and seem to take delight in using firing as a form of discipline.

Discipline must be reasonable, not emotional, and balanced by the use of positive reinforcement for good effort and result. It is also important that after we have disciplined someone, we give them some space and time to work on the areas we talked about. There is an old Indian Proverb that says, “ Do not criticize someone for being dirty while he is taking a bath.”
One of the deepest concerns of the employees is that they continued to be discipline “while they are taking a bath.” In other word, their boss disciplined them, and they immediately began to work on that area of weakness. However, with no recognition for the improvements they were making or sincere efforts to improve, the manager would continue to discipline them in that same area.

How do you rate yourself in the area of using discipline, wisely and carefully?