Disciplining

A Definition

If you'd like the historically correct versions, visit the online dictionary, but in my experience, disciplining is this: the discipline to know when to discipline. The actual definition of disciplining goes something like: "to punish or penalize in order to train and control; correct; chastise." However, I really, really need you to focus on the overall effect, not just the method by which it is achieved. After all, we're not here to tell you that disciplining is wrong; that's like telling a parent he can't spank his child. No. Rather, we intend to tell you that sending a kid to his room doesn't necessarily make the situation better in the long run; that may work every once in a while, but sometimes we can do better than to discipline. There comes a point in time where the conventional methods of discipline no longer work; perhaps you remember the last time your parents tried to spank you and you just said "No." What do you do to that? "No" is right. Sometimes, disciplining is not the manner by which you must approach a situation; in fact, you'll know exactly which situations are needed to "discipline" when you see them, and which can simply not be disciplined because they are so much more distinct. Let me give you an example of what we, at least, think is something that should not be punished, but, rather, studied and corrected in an alternative method, as most situations you'll run into can be treated.

When Disciplining May not Be the Best Method

Say you become squadron commander: congrats, you're the big cheese. You now have all the power and authority one can muster over twelve aviators. BUT! Wait- one of them isn't posting! He's out of line! Well, not only that, he's stopped reporting and he can't seem to show up on IRC anymore. Suddenly, it's not just one member, but three, maybe even four. You decide that you'll correct the situation before it gets any worse, and what better way to hit 'em than to attack their wallets? Every report that goes missing- you fine them. Eventually, that's not enough, so you get on their cases. Soon, you don't hear from them at all- that's it. What happened? Well, if you're any good at all, you'll have asked at least a couple of times why they haven't been posting as much- trying to get some background info. "My computer's been bad," or "my dog is really, really sick..." Fine, all perfectly acceptable excuses. My friend, it's when they start promising that they'll be around, and they're perfectly capable, that we tend to get on this path of chastisement. What's happening? Though the situations may vary, from what I've been able to surmise, a lack of posting or activity in general equates, quite simply, to a lack of interest. For some reason: they're just not very interested in getting involved anymore. That could be for any number of reasons: story's starting to lag, not getting enough reward for his or her efforts, or maybe they're just not enjoying the people. Either way: that should be your place to attack: you have to correct the situation that's causing the situation, not hamper your efforts by adding to the problem with fines. Again, it's like a mother yelling at her daughter because she doesn't practice the flute enough, when, in all reality, the mom should just figure out what's going on before throwing a fit. If you're a teenager, you can relate, no? That's just an example of not taking in enough of the situation though. IF they still don't come around, despite your best efforts, there's nothing wrong with dropping people, of course: do what you can, but you can only do so much. So- don't jump the gun with fines because people are not doing what they should. However, the situation changes entirely when people are doing something. Enter the word "discipline."

Disciplining and it's Levels of Intensity, as well as it's Goals

Situation numero dos: you have a member masquerading as an officer on IRC, maybe he irritates folks on the ComNet by spamming, and maybe he makes a couple of disparaging remarks about other people here and there. Again, maybe not quite worthy of fines or real punishment, but a chastisement: yes. This is a situation where you have to confront somebody, but when you're going through with all of this, your hope is to keep people around, so keep that in mind. Attacking someone for being rude is easy, again; correcting people in a strict voice but gaining their respect is something totally different. Seek to correct behavior, but also bring those people onto your side so that they may enjoy the fruits of our club, here. Speak in what tone you think is best, but generally, calling them names or spouting off obscenities won't do it- speak responsibly. Let's kick it up another notch though:

Situation number 3: your member is cussing people out, threatening members, harassing people or making truly disgusting or rude remarks. Time to grab the whip. This may be an event or circumstance where someone really just doesn't understand what's right and wrong, but they've gone too far: you need to show 'em that "no" means "no." So, if you think you can correct it by fines (which are rarely effective unless they really like the IC or stock market), or by de-medaling (removal of medals or awards), demotion (lowering the rank of an individual) or even reduction in position (taking away someone's position, whatever it may be, ex. FL, SC, SCAP, etc) then do so. All of those methods, by the way, mentioned after fines, are pretty effective if the person actually wants to continue being a member of the VE. Afterall, the loss of a medal, rank or position is a sign of dishonor, and generally the public enhances the dishonor even more; members don't like to lose respect, and that's what you can inflict if you must. However, there's an even more drastic type of correction that can be made. If you have the same member as above, and he doesn't quit after you tell him, especially if you tell him more than once- we may have someone who's not afraid of what's going to happen to them- they're looking for fights. Thus, the demoting, arguing or chastising: no longer useful. In fact, you satisfy these people with fights, you feed their thirst for dissent and chaos. The only way to beat 'em is, when put simply, to boot 'em. Not only do these types of matters distract you and everyone else, but they can cause irreversible damage if allowed to persist: end it. That's all there is to it. Use the CoC if you can, but your duty is to remove the splinter in as effective way as possible, and under the circumstances, you're not only rational to do so, but you're obligated as well.

Things to Keep in Mind

Now, as we just covered, it's your job to discipline people if and when you can. However, first: a fair warning. If you, as a member who is in control, begins to discipline when it's unnecessary, or become something of a menace yourself, or, who knows- worse, then you, too, are liable to be disciplined. However, the level of chastisement or removal of valuable articles, such as awards, rank or position, are much sharper and more severe for a member of power- especially an officer such as yourself. Fair warning, no? That, my friend, is why we must also realize that the way in which we discipline or handle situations reflects on us; all of our actions do.

Thus, a couple of easy ground rules: don't discipline people in public unless you have to. Obviously, if something becomes so severe that you have to drop your ranks, people probably know about it and you're going to announce it anyway, but if you want to tell someone off about spamming or abuse on IRC- you can do that in private. Use the message center, private e-mail or whatever other means of private conversation you have at your finger tips. When one chooses to chastise people in public, not only does it disrupt and cause a scene, but it's a show of your lack of control over others. As an officer, you must show self control, self constraint, and appear cool, if not expectant of the trouble that has come about. Not only will the members you're disciplining respect you for your cool manner, but they'll also appreciate the fact that you didn't embarrass them in front of their colleagues. You might say,"perhaps they need to be embarrassed"- perhaps. However, I'd say it's a method that might come back to bite you- be careful of spiteful things such as these. IN the same way, you must be without spite or anger when disciplining; it can lead you down a bad road. Indeed, disciplining is not a power trip; it is a tool used to correct behavior. If you can treat people with respect, and correct whatever behavior seems to be plaguing them: you've really accomplished something.

One final note: get all of the information you can about a situation (that means getting both sides of the story from the accuser as well as the accused) before you go to take an action (if possible). This, my friend, will keep you from making a royal behind out of yourself. Hear what I'm sezzin? Good luck- and have the control to know when it is you must control others- the best to you.