The importance of discipline and detail

Do you ever wish you were more successful in the financial services industry? Do you ever find yourself wondering why others have $10 million to $20 million in production while you only have $5 million or less?

If you want to get over that hump and hit those lofty goals, look at the “foundations” of your business — discipline and detail. One of the greatest leaders of World War II, perhaps one of the greatest leaders in history, was General George S. Patton, Jr. He has often been referred to as “Old Blood and Guts.” General Patton accomplished great things on the battlefield. He was responsible for the capture and imprisonment of 1.25 million Germans. He injured or killed over a half million of his enemies. He accomplished this with an army of only 250,000 soldiers. Two things certainly contributed to his success. General Patton mentored under General John J. Pershing.

From this great leader, he learned the importance of discipline and attention to detail. Patton further understood that he could not fight his battles alone; therefore, he trained and surrounded himself with soldiers who were inspired by their general to achieve things that many considered impossible. Of the controversial general, Harold Alexander wrote, “He loved his men and they loved him. I have been with him at the front when he was greeted with demonstrations of affection by his soldiers, and there were — as I saw for myself — tears running down his cheeks.”