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.

Previous Team Building Posts 

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)