9/30: Leaders have disciples

Leaders create a climate of discipleship that fosters a culture of discipline. The word discipline has many meanings and connotations, but my favorite definition is training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

Change requires such discipline, and true leaders create disciples by molding and inspiring others. By concentrating on the rewards of success, not on the consequences of failure, leaders create an environment where discipline is never demanded and always freely given. Through their words, actions, behavior, commitment, and passion, true leaders imprint on those whom they lead not only their professional wisdom, but their ethical and moral values.

My best experiences of following have been through discipleship. As a disciple, I was an engaged follower. I not only believed in the direction or the change being implemented, I wanted to talk about it, spread the word, and proselytize. Recall the janitor from NASA. He was truly the engaged follower; he took the opportunity to speak to the long-term goal, not the present task.