Leadership by Choice: Increasing Influence and Effectiveness through Self-Management

Chapter 12

Rewards of Self-Discipline

Leaders and the Military

Some of the best leaders come from our military institutions and schools across this country. One reason is because this environment teaches as well as cultivates self-discipline. They also have certain fitness requirements, which means people must keep themselves in good physical condition.

People at these institutions and schools must be up at a certain time and in class at a certain time. They must take tests, whether working on a degree or at their job. They must plan ahead, be diligent with their time, and know how to best use it, because many priorities are placed on them. They must be in control.

The military teaches and creates individuals with self-confidence, a key aspect in its ability to produce leaders. Sometimes when people enter the military, they are floundering between jobs or don't know exactly what they want to do with their life. But they leave with self-discipline and belief in themselves that they can do anything. Many military veterans go on to have success in other careers.

A friend named Derek, who was in his mid-20s, was hopping from job to job, not really sure of what he wanted to do with his life. He was sleeping on people's couches and didn't really have a plan or goal in mind. Then he decided to enlist in the Air Force and went to boot camp. At this writing, he has been there about two years, won some leadership awards, and is working to the rank of staff sergeant.

I have seen a miraculous ...