Self-Control In Business
vs. self-indulgence
Choosing behaviors to help me reach my goals
To practice Self-Control, I will: 
- set my own limits
- not act impulsively
- walk away from things that aren’t right
- not equate desires with rights
- choose to build good habits
The Self-Control Pause
You have probably witnessed a scene at work where two colleagues disagree, and the conversation escalates as the volume gets louder, each one trying to outshout the other. This is a clear example of when ‘The Pause’ could have been helpful. Our class, ‘How To Hold Difficult Conversations,’ teaches this skill, which simply is pausing before replying when you are accused, yelled at, or verbally attacked. The pause lets you gather your character, decline the invitation to the fight, and respond calmly. You can still answer an accusation, defend yourself, or ask for more details but in a respectful and controlled tone. You are able to respond instead of react.
Often, difficult conversations become emotionally charged. Without self-control, these conversations can easily get sidetracked and fail to achieve their intended outcome. If one party can maintain self-control when the other is not, it can encourage the argumentative person to self-regulate, increasing the chances of a successful conversation. Have you ever tried to argue with someone who wouldn’t argue back? It’s annoying but the difference in their tone helps you to recognize the anger in your tone and is a clue to engage your own self-control.
How can you remember to use the Self-Control Pause?
Interview for Self-Control with this question:
Tell [us/me] about a time when you had to correct a behavior to reach a goal?
Download The Ultimate Guide to Hiring for Character with questions for all 36 qualities.
The Links below will take you to the most recent Team Building blog post and the previous posts. These are not related to a particular quality.
Build a Handshake
Divide the class into groups. You can use seating arrangements such as a row or table to define the groups or create groups on your own. Instruct each group to…
Featured Book on Self-Control
An Illustrated Guide to Self-Discipline:
50 Habits to More Self-Control, Success, and Satisfaction in Life
by Martin Meadows
illustrated by Tamara Antonijevic
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in a workplace setting.
Visit Self-Control in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner
Visit Self-Control in the Community>>
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)
Visit Self-Control in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources