tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post5425556007081513024..comments2021-01-07T07:11:24.205-06:00Comments on Fen's Thoughts: #96 DisciplineFenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-63951036941780577922010-12-17T06:21:51.744-06:002010-12-17T06:21:51.744-06:00Adrian -
There are parts of your response that t...Adrian - <br /><br />There are parts of your response that trouble me and, think, provide most of the problems with command. You stated: "As a leader, I expect, assume, and demand obedience." Now you are creating a personal dynamic, rather than a positional one, and the trouble is that as each new person fills the leadership seat, the demand effect changes. I do not demand obedience, the position I hold does. My goal should be to gain willful obedience from my subordinates such that given the task, its' purpose, and my intent, they complete it out of understanding and respect.<br /><br />Secondly, I do not believe that any form of fear based leadership is ultimately effective. Once a Soldier has faced a more fear-inducing event than the leader can administratively or physically induce, then the leadership breaks down. Fear based leadership only works when the subordinate is more worried about the capability of the leader to inflict more pain or punishment than the current situation they are facing. <br /><br />Obedience is an important part of the leadership / discipline / mission accomplishment trilogy, however, that obedience should be derived from a common understanding of the need for the mission, and respect for the structure of the organization.Fenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-29024252282853537722010-12-16T14:19:40.261-06:002010-12-16T14:19:40.261-06:00Love the trilogy and the important consideration o...Love the trilogy and the important consideration of obedience. It is a crucial word that is interestingly missing from much of the discussion about leadership and command. Great to see it being brought into the fold. As a leader I expect, assume and demand obedience. Disobediences often stems from subordinates failing to appreciate either my intent, the ramifications of their choices or not fearing the consequences. Fear is a great motivator that can overcome other powerful influences. A soldier with his senses numbed by over indulgence in liquor and tempted to pursue a course of action that could be dangerous, destructive or simply illegal can be kept from a foolish actions by a healthy dose of fearing my reaction and the consequences that would follow. Fear of failure is a superb motivator in men. Dr Leonard Sax in his book 'Boys' Adrift' studies the phenomena of apathetic disobedient boys lacking motivation at school and college. It is a study that offers powerful insights into some major influences on the men joining the military today.adrian clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13346771853250756883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-80134165375833808192010-12-06T06:40:20.241-06:002010-12-06T06:40:20.241-06:00way back in the day when I was at Ft Bragg I used ...way back in the day when I was at Ft Bragg I used this definition which I picked up somewhere<br />Discipline is:<br />Doing what should be done,<br />When it should be done,<br />Doing it that best it can be done, <br />and doing it that way every time.<br /><br />JDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com