Don’t misconstrue the message of this important idea.
Bobby McFerrin’s iconic version from Medicine Music is what I think of.
But the crux of the quote comes from the Christian New Testament, from Hebrews.
“For those who have been trained by it, no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.”
I think it’s true – discipline is work and it feels like work to do. But I think too many leaders misinterpret their responsibility in the transformation of those they lead.
It is not our job as leaders to make the discipline painful. It is our job, in fact, to guide the people we lead through the journey and support them so they can endure the pain of the journey of discipline.
I have had leaders who thought that inflicting pain and anguish – belittling or harshly criticizing me and others – was the best way to do their job. It’s not.
“Yes the journey will be painful. All disciplines are. But I’ll be here with you.” That’s the message of a real leader.