Page 110 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

INTERNATIONA L LAW AND THE SEA 115

Deln)' in taking appropriate disciplinary action brings resent-
ment toward the entire system- especially if the offender "gets off
because of a time Inpse that dulls memories or makes it seem ns
though the offense hns been overlooked. \ Vrong Olcts and poor per-
(onmmce require immediate guidance and correction in order to
bring about the necessaqr changes.
New leaders l11a)' have a tendency to be too lenient with minor
infractions, thereby penalizing good people while favoring bad
ones. \Vhen this error is pointed out to some junior leaders, they
mily become uncert<lin of thelllseives, and in trying to compensate
for the tilUlt, they overreact, becoming too nrbitrary. In either case
the leader will lose the confidence of subordinates because of such
inconsistency. It is best to chart a steady course when denling with
disciplinary matters.
A good leader knows that everyone responds to recognition for a job
well done. Here, these NJROTC cadets receiving the winner's trophy
after a dril l competition know that their discipline and hard work has Loss of Temper = Loss of Control
been acknowledged and rewarded. (Central HS NJROTC, David Poe)
A leader cannot afford to lose his or her temper. Losing one's
temper is usually considered to be a personal weakness and usu-
Self-Discipline
ally does not improve the effectiveness of the leader and his or her
True discipline demands loyal but rensoned obedience to status within the organization. 'tb be sure, it is not always eas), to
authority. Such obedience allows for initiath'e and is present even refrain from anger, but a consciolls eftort to do so must be made.
in the absence of the leader. Self-discipline, therefore, is essential A person who loses control of himself or hersclf usunlly loses
before true discipline can be de\'eloped. The self-disciplined per- control of the situiltion. Rare is the cnse when proper action or
SOil will always be dependable and will cury out responsibilities desired results come from an expression of anger. In admonishing
under all circumstances without need of direct supervision. error or ndministering punishment, the leader IllllSt remain calm,
Self-discipline lessens the need for specific rules and regula- impersollnl, and dignified. A leader who is extremely incenscd
tions. Traffic laws, the Uniform Code of Militar}' Justice, civil rights might want to pace the deck for a few minutes rather than take
lnws, alcohol and drug laws, and cvell things like school dress codes unwise, precipitolls actioll. The calmer the leilder is in the usual
would be unnecessary if we wt.:Te all perfectly self-disciplined indi- performance of duty, the more action he or shc can get when the
viduals. Self-disciplined people need little or no supervision. occnsiull demands. The leader who is inconsistcnt, quick-tem-
Self-discipline begins with the realiz;.ltion that there is a pered, or constantly shollting only creates confusion and soon
Ileed for self-control. Development of self-discipline comes only stops being effective, sincc those actions e,'entunll}, will get little or
through repeated prilctice of self-control. The person who has no response from subordinates.
developed self-control in da),-to-day life is also the one who can
hold up in the tace of hardship and danger.
Knowing Personnel

Consistency In Disciplinary Action It is vital that leaders get to know the people working for them. As
part of this, it is importnllt for the young leader to develop a style
In the military, disobedience of regulatiolls must be hnndled
of communication with personnel thnt will creilte mutual respect.
immediatciy, justly, and consistently. \Vrong*doing thnt is dealt
The key to this is learning the personality and chnracter of every
with scverely one day cannot be treated ilS insignificant the next.
one of those juniors- understanding what makes thcm tick.
Such an approach can only result in confusion, poor morale, and
It is the duty of the leader to stud), their people, watch them,
distrust of the leader.
learn their nppronch to problems, work with them, nlld guide
If service members are allowed to de~' a regulation opcnly,
them. To Illnintnin discipline, the leader must always be genuinely
they will develop an indiftcrent attitude toward other regulations
concerned about his or her people, Olnd should not wait until they
as well. Two fUlldnmental rules apply: (1) never make a regulation
get into difficulties to help them. This means ensuring that they arc
that you canllot or will not cnforce, nnd (2) take immediate, filiI'
comlortable and as well cared for OlS circllmst;'lI1Ces permit; seeing
action thnt leaves no doubt in thc mind of the offender about the
thnt they receive their f..li r share of earned privileges; o.llld shmving
n.~aso n for the reprimand or punishment.
thnt their personal Olnd f..l111 ily lives are of reill interest. The good