A Guide to Setting Your Work Boundaries and Getting them Across
Feb 28, 2023
In our increasingly busy lives, it's essential to set clear boundaries between our personal and professional lives. Without clear boundaries, we can quickly become overwhelmed, stressed out, and burnt out.
On the other hand, establishing personal and professional boundaries can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and improve your overall productivity. When you prevent work from taking over your personal life, and vice versa, you’re reclaiming your power back. Or as I like to call it, ready to soar!
But how to do it so nobody is hurt?
- Be clear and specific: When setting boundaries, it's important to be clear and specific about what you need. Vague requests can lead to confusion and frustration. For example, instead of saying "I need some alone time," try saying "I need an hour of uninterrupted time each day to focus on my work. Can we schedule a specific time for this?"
- Offer alternatives: It's important to offer alternatives when setting boundaries so that your coworkers feel like they are still being heard and valued. For example, instead of saying "I can't attend that meeting because it's outside my work hours," try saying "I won't be able to attend that meeting, but I could provide a written summary of my thoughts on the topic beforehand."
- Use positive language: When communicating boundaries, it's important to use positive language that focuses on solutions rather than problems. For example, instead of saying "I don't want to work with you because you always procrastinate," try saying "I think we could work more effectively together if we established some clear deadlines and priorities."
Remember, to communicate your boundaries effectively, you should adopt a clear, concise, and assertive tone. Avoid being defensive or confrontational, and instead, focus on expressing your needs and explaining why they matter to you. Always use a respectful and considerate tone.
Now go on, list your priorities, and get them across.