You know, I hadn’t though of this till just now, but the addition of “self” to this leadership trait is very telling.  Discipline is very important in leadership.  But self-discipline carries the implication that it only works if done by the “self.”  Our leaders at school rarely need discipline from another source because they practice self-discipline.  And, let’s face it, if one doesn’t discipline himself, he is pushing that responsibility onto another human being.

   It’s easy to know what discipline a child needs, but what discipline do adult workers need?  Well, there’s discipline in the professional clothing, discipline in arrival, break, and departure times, discipline is work quality.  And discipline in treatment of others.  Should that employee decide not to self-discipline, he is inviting a boss to do the disciplining.  Failure to dress appropriately could result in a fine or an embarrassing shout out.  Treating other poorly could lead to training with the HR department or a loss of clients, should there be clients.  And a lack of discipline when it comes to the number of hours worked and the quality of that work could lead to the loss of that job.  Most of us are very self-disciplined when it comes to our job.

   We teachers ask students to be self-disciplined in the many ways, to include staying quiet while the teacher is instructing; keeping hands, feet, and objects to themselves; doing the work; and getting along with others.  When the students cannot exercise self-discipline in these areas, then the teacher or principals have to do the disciplining. I guarantee that adult discipliners are rougher on the transgressor than they would be on themselves!

   I think the key to helping your gifted child become self-disciplined is to show him the necessity and the consequences for not doing it in adult life and encourage him to practice now.  When teens enroll in our school, I tell them that this is their job.  Their salary is the tuition their parents are paying.  If they don’t do their job well, I will tell their parents to fire them.  This always takes the student back a bit, but the parents understand completely.  Your child will do the job well, or your child will not be allowed to return.  We expect our students to work hard and to be self-disciplined.  We do not want to push or pull them.  We want to run alongside them, pointing out opportunities and opening doors.

  It’s tempting to not teach your kids self-discipline now.  After all, they are only kids once, right?  Why tell them the ugly truths about life?  Because those ugly truths don’t have to be part of their realities if you do tell them the consequences now and help them practice.  Knowledge is power!

                                                                                                         Michelle