The right way to discipline

 The right way to discipline

What intelligence cannot achieve, discipline can. What hard work cannot achieve, discipline can. There is no doubt that discipline plays a vital role—not only in nation building but also in building a meaningful life.

Some people are naturally self-disciplined. Others need guidance, boundaries, and sometimes even strict rules to stay on track.

Then there are those who know how to communicate the need for discipline assertively yet respectfully—whether they are parents, teachers, managers, or employers. Under their influence, people come to understand the value of discipline and gradually become self-disciplined.

On the other hand, there are those who are obsessed with discipline. They impose and force it, often with the opposite effect. Whether it’s a child at home, a student in school, or an employee in an office, some begin to feel that discipline enslaves them. They feel compressed—and eventually, they burst out. Their outburst becomes an act of indiscipline, which leads to conflict and damages relationships.

There is nothing wrong with disciplining people. But it should never sound like “my way or the highway.”

People love to work on things they choose. Good communication should appeal to both the logical and emotional sides of a person. For example: arriving late may force rushed work, which leads to errors and rework—this appeals to logic. Arriving late can also delay going home and create work-life imbalance—this appeals to emotion.

Discipline is not an act of dictatorship. It is an act of helping people enjoy the benefits of being disciplined.

Take Singapore—a clean, efficient, and admired nation. Its discipline is legendary. The result? Fewer diseases, lower healthcare spending, a productive workforce, and high-quality output. If cleanliness can achieve so much, why not stay disciplined by avoiding littering and spitting? Singaporeans saw the benefits, and discipline became a way of life.

There’s a popular joke about Singapore: “Singapore is a fine country.” It has two meanings—fine as in excellent and clean, and fine as in paying a penalty. Any misdeeds lead to hefty fines and punishments. The humour carries a serious truth.

Yes, discipline is important. But it should not be imposed at the cost of stifling people’s freedom. However, if indiscipline becomes a way of life, then an iron hand may be needed—not to lead, but to restore order where people refuse to govern themselves.

M.L. Narendra Kumar