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How to Lead a Black Belt Corporation

November 23, 2005

 

"We Are a Black Belt School!"  were the words confidently displayed on the prominent sign inside the do-jung of my neighborhood Choi Kwang-Do (CKD).  It was one of the first things I noticed during my initial visit.  Along the same wall was an impressive display of black belts, hanging meticulously from expensive looking brass hooks, and aligned in a neat row.  Each belt had gold stitched embroidery with the name of its rightful owner written in English on one side, and on the other side were the Hangul (Korean) characters that spell out "Pil Sung," which literally means "Certain Victory”.

The Master Instructor said that being a Black Belt School meant they trained people to become the best.  He joked, "Better.  Stronger.  Faster."  The belts which lined the wall, he explained, belonged to the members of the Black Belt Club, but the members of the Black Belt Club were not black belt martial artists -- in fact, some were novice white belts, children and adults alike. The Black Belt Club represented individuals who aspired to be among the elite in their form of martial arts; or as the Master Instructor would put it, "People who want to be better, stronger and faster."

Pause for a moment, if you will, to consider how that wall must have galvanized the members of the Black Belt Club.  Imagine them stepping onto the do-jung and being saluted by a black belt with their name written on it, proclaiming certain victory!  It served as an immediate, constant and visible reminder of their goal, motivating them to continue striving for the day when Grand Master Choi himself, would remove the belt from its fancy brass hook, tie it onto their do-bak, bow and acknowledge, "Pil Sung." 

I love the concept of a Black Belt Club with no black belt members.  When I asked the Master Instructor how a person can become a member, he stated three prerequisites:  

1. They must have a personal goal of attaining a black belt.

2. They must show dedication and effort, and do their very best to follow the CKD principles.

3. They must be recommended by an Instructor.

Let us discuss these requirements and ascertain how we can lead a black belt corporation to be better, stronger, and faster!

They must have a personal goal of attaining a black belt.

When I was seventeen, I joined the U.S. Navy as an enlisted service member.  After several months at my first duty station, my Commanders approached me about a commissioning program, which upon completion, would promote me to Officer status.  I declined the proposal.  It was not my personal ambition to become an Officer in the U.S. Navy.

 

As leaders, you will see many people in your organization that have black belt potential.  However, it must be their personal goal of attainment and not your vision that will promote a successful transition into leadership.  You may have already found that the least likely candidate, is oftentimes the most suitable candidate.  On the surface they resemble amateur white belts; however internally, they possess the drive, determination and dexterity to become thriving black belts.  It is your challenge to discover and groom these people.

 

Remember that the most successful Black Belt Organization was founded by a Carpenter.  His black belt team comprised of five fishermen, a tax collector and five other men whose previous employment history is quite obscure.  Yet, His organization continues to prosper and is the most prolific institution the world has ever known. 

 

 

They must show dedication and effort, and do their very best to follow the principles.

Posted on a large banner on the front wall of the do-jung are the five tenets of Choi Kwang-Do.  They are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit.  Each day, the students recite these tenets, followed by the CKD pledge.  Before long, they are able to assert the tenets and principles without having to refer to the big banner on the wall. 

 

I am truly amazed with the amount of time, energy and resources business leaders invest in corporate branding.  They establish principles and core values that practically no one in their organization remembers, or even gives a second thought.

 

It is no wonder why God mandated the careful meditation of his Book of Instruction and Moral Law for all His kings and leaders.  Their homework, so to speak, was to write a personal copy of His instructions, keep it with them at all times, and to read and study it diligently.  This would ensure that they would become well versed and never lose sight of His perfect principles and values; and in doing so He assured them prosperity and success in all their endeavors.

 

Just the same, it is your responsibility to ensure that every person in your organization know and understand your corporate philosophy.  Furthermore, it is important to appropriately recognize and reward people who do their best to follow the guidelines and principles set forth.  These individuals are your corporate ambassadors, they represent your company well and set the example for others in the organization.

 

 

They must be recommended by an instructor.

Instructors are the leaders who spend regular and quality time coaching others in your organization.  They have first-hand, daily interaction with the people they manage and lead.  They know which of your employees has a personal goal to excel, who shows dedication and effort, and who walks the walk as it applies to the corporate principles. 

 

You are wise to request input and listen to the feedback of your Instructors.  Like the aforementioned Carpenter, they should be able to see the value of raw, un-constructed timber, and with great care and attention, give it a fine shape with lines and contours, but most importantly ... purpose.  Take their recommendations to heart, as their insight will be invaluable to helping you build a Black Belt Organization.

My final question for the Master Instructor was regarding the benefits of being a Black Belt Club Member.  His answer was simple.  “They receive additional training designed to help them achieve their ultimate goal.” 

Once you establish a Black Belt Club, you must spend time with its members coaching, training and mentoring them to succeed as a future leader within your organization.  Like the black belts that lined the wall of the do-jung, the members of your team should be surrounded by an immediate, constant and visual reminder of their goals and aspirations. 

Now go and lead!  Pil Sung!