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However, failing to acknowledge the crucial role that organizational
culture plays in developing leaders can have a long term negative impact
on this important goal. Typically, the culture that results from the policies
and procedures that evolve out of an organization’s core functions

reinforces those functions at the expense of effective leadership
development practices, the organization’s long term interests, and its
development goals. 128 The value of leadership is its ability to work outside
of the existing culture that created these leaders and start a process of
changing that culture to be more adaptable and transformative.

Practices Consistent Discipline

Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability. Roy L.
Smith.

The leadership competency that is valued in Jim Collins’ (Good to Great)

research above all others is that of discipline, which is both self-discipline
and organizational discipline. Merriam-Webster defines discipline as
training that is expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior,
especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. Discipline is
both an attitude and a competency.

The word “discipline” actually means “being a disciple unto oneself.”
When we are disciples unto ourselves, we try to stay true to what we
believe in, ask for the help that we might need, and consistently make sure
that the needed actions are done. Furthermore, we do this in a step-by-step
way. After all, if you cannot lead yourself, you won’t be successful at
leading others. Discipline is what drives someone to do what’s right when

no one is watching.

Leaders who have strong self-discipline tend to be well-organized, and
they demonstrate willpower and determination in everything they do. The
very act of being well-organized, of having clear goals, and of having set

clear priorities on one’s activities before beginning, provides a sense of
discipline and control. It also leads to people’s respect and admiration.
When self-discipline is practiced by persisting in the face of difficulties,

128 Vidula Bal and Laura Quinn, “The Missing Link: Organizational Culture and Leadership Development.”
http://www.ccl.org/leadership/pdf/publications/lia/lia2104link.pdf.

David Kolzow 112