Business Discipline – An Entrepreneurs Nightmare or Dream Come True?

I have observed that many entrepreneurs like to operate primarily on gut instinct. As a fellow entrepreneur, I understand the feeling as passion readily flows through the veins and we think we can get it done without discipline. In fact, discipline for some entrepreneurs feels like handcuffs, and they are unwilling to subject themselves to it. I agree there is a part of owning a business that is creative and needs little to no boundaries. Idea creation, taking a risk, and operating on the charisma or personality of the owner are all part of successful businesses.

However, there comes a point where the owner can’t be everywhere, can’t control the message that is getting out, quality suffers, and growth is virtually shut down. This is where discipline adds value. I see discipline as a fence around a 1000 acre ranch. The wild stallions can roam and keep their independence, as long as they stay within the fence.

In my opinion, businesses operate best with discipline, which many times is simply an expectation of performance. If this is true, why don’t more entrepreneurs think this way? I think lack of discipline produces cyclical performance or underperformance. I’d like to hear your thoughts.