In the first video from the Dynamic of Discipline, we look at the definition of discipline…

We usually think about discipline in it’s negative context as punishment for improper behavior. But that’s only one aspect of discipline. If you look at an older dictionary, one published earlier than 1950 or so, you find a different definition. I found this definition of discipline in a 1948 Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary that belongs to my mom:

Discipline is TRAINING that molds, corrects, strengthens, and perfects moral CHARACTER.

In it’s purest sense, discipline is character training! In fact, the word disciple comes from that same root.

So when you think about discipline within a character-based context, think about it as an effort to restore the individual into a proper relationship with his or her authorities. In other words, if a person develops an Independent Spirit and steps out from under authority, it is your job as a leader to restore them if possible.

Now, I realize that restoration is not always possible, nor even desirable. Sometimes the nature of the offense is so egregious or the character of the individual is so lacking that they are beyond restoration. Those of you who have been through Police Dynamics training will recognize this as the Unrestorable Spirit we describe in the Dynamic of Restoration. In this case, the most responsible course of action may be to sever the employment relationship if you can do so legally and within policy.

By focusing on the inward motivation of the person to do the right thing – their moral character – and restoring the outward relationship with their authorities, we have a firm foundation to build a character-based disciplinary model that we will explore in the next lesson…

Sheriff Ray