An organization is a unit of people structured to pursue and meet collective goals. The best units are able to meet those goals consistently through discipline. That discipline can be broken down into three main categories: Strong work habits, the willingness to take on challenges, and the ability to control emotional responses. While many organizations portray these qualities, my last battalion commander (BN CDR), took these lessons and had the most positive effect on an organization I've ever seen. One of the most important ways the BN CDR had a positive impact on the organization was through instilling a sense of discipline in everyone. No matter what going on, there were always three major underlying themes he reiterated about discipline: Strengthen work habits, always be willing to accept a challenge, and control emotional responses. From his first day in charge, the commander ensured that everyone took their job seriously. He insisted that the key to successful organizations was that people be willing to do the right things at the right time for the right reasons. The staff would constantly review priorities and follow through to track progress and devote whatever resources were needed; no matter how seemingly menial or unpleasant the task appeared. These actions showed even the lowest subordinate that all tasks were important and would receive the proper attention. Before long, setting and meeting goals, creating priorities and assessing progress was being done by leaders at every level of the organization. By strengthening the work habits of everyone, the BN CDR was truly strengthening the organization.
The second part of being disciplined deals with the willingness to accept a challenges. The commander would always talk about ways to strengthen one's mind and resolve. He helped the organization accomplish this by putting people in charge of tasks and projects that were over their heads.