At the time of writing this blog post, we are in the middle of the series of lessons “Stoicism at Work.” I have been studying Stoicism for many years now and it has made a stark difference in my personal life. I have more confidence, am a better listener, kinder, and enjoy more inner peace.
.png?width=140&height=210&name=image%20(3).png)
Okay, I will get off my lectern now. Seriously, as I practice the four (4) virtues of Stoicism in my personal and daily life, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and practice using these virtues in the workplace.
In the Stoicism at Work lesson series, we discuss each of the 4 virtues and how to practice each one at work. You will notice I use the word “practice” a lot. That is because Stoicism is a practice, not a belief and not a pursuit of perfection. Here is a breakdown of each of the 4 virtues and how we address them in our lesson series. We are also making the first Virtue available free.
Courage
This is the lead virtue because it takes courage to practice all the virtues. Bravery is how we practice courage. Bravery is not the lack of fear – it is acknowledging that fear and taking action into it, not away from it. In this first lesson, we describe how the stoics defined the virtue of courage, how to practice it in daily life, then we show you how to take that practice into the workplace.
Enjoy the first lesson completely free.
Interested in watching the other lessons, contact a KnowledgeWave representative today! 800.831.8449
Temperance
Self-discipline, self-control, and self-care are what the virtue of temperance is all about. Keeping calm and learning how not to react – un-productive, and how to respond – productive. What comes to mind when we think about someone being stoic, we think quiet, reclusive, or introvert. These behaviors are what we observe from some else’s inner understanding of what they cannot control – outside events, versus what they can control – how they respond. We will help you practice temperance on the job.
Justice
We are not talking about courts and the law. The virtue of justice is all about teaching people with kindness, empathy, and a desire for connecting through listening with a desire to understand. Integrity within ourselves and integrity with each other. We will share how the stoics knew the only way to treat others is with respect, especially with those we disagree with. In this lesson we will discuss ways to help you with listening patiently with coworkers and the people you serve.
Wisdom
Stoics were truly the first seekers of Critical Thinking. A stoic knows this because the path to wisdom is paved with truth. Not confirmation bias, belief, or opinions. Truth comes first. Another path is self-realization. Knowing ourselves enough to know when we just hear what we want to hear versus what we need to hear – the facts. In this lesson we will show you how to apply this newfound wisdom at work.
Summary
Embracing the principles of Stoicism in the workplace can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced professional life. By cultivating courage, practicing temperance, and striving for justice and wisdom, we can navigate challenges with resilience and integrity. Remember, Stoicism is not about achieving perfection but about continuous growth and improvement. As we integrate these virtues into our daily routines, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute positively to our work environment. Let's take these lessons to heart and make our workplaces a testament to the enduring power of Stoic philosophy and practice.
