How to Set Boundaries at Work for Healthier Relationships

It isn’t uncommon for us to discover…

During a coaching conversation with a client…

That she has difficulty in setting – and communicating – her boundaries to other people.

The client might say she ‘feels overworked’…

Is ‘taken advantage of’ by others…

And ‘frustrated by her seeming inability to change the pattern’.

 

Having Clear Boundaries is Essential to Building Your Personal Brand

The truth is…

If you want to build your Executive Profile within your company (and industry)…

If you want to be respected as a leader…

And if you want to be high-performing (whilst also protecting your sanity)…

You need clear boundaries in place…

That your team, clients and leadership are also aware of.

Because if you don’t…

You are actually contributing to the negative patterns that you find yourself in.

(Sorry to bring bad news, but it’s true).  😉

 

 

Listen to me talk about this topic on my podcast, Her Ambitious Career. Here it is ‘Are Your Boundaries Weak? How to Start Setting Boundaries That Stick’

 

First, Identify Your Weak Boundaries

To get this Boundaries conversation started…

(And because I’m all about taking charge of yourself and your career)…

I’d like to share 9 warning signs with you…

To help you realise if your boundaries are currently unclear, weak or (let’s face it) non-existent. 😉

Self-awareness should always be our first step!

As you review this list, have a think if any of these scenarios resonates with you right now:

1/ You are feeling emotionally drained

2/ You are feeling overwhelmed

3/ You’re being pulled too thin, or in multiple directions

4/ You’re being overloaded with more tasks

5/ You are feeling frustrated or angry

6/ You have difficulty prioritising tasks

7/ You’re struggling to delegate

8/ People keep taking advantage of you

9/ You feel as if you aren’t doing anything particularly well

 

Let’s Do A Personal Boundary Audit

First…

Note down which of the areas above where your boundaries are currently unclear, weak or non-existent…

And hopefully it isn’t too depressing an exercise! 😉

If you’re finding this hard…

You can look at this another way, by asking yourself this question:

Where, in your life or at work, do you need to create stronger and clearer boundaries?

 

• Is it around how other people treat you?
• Do you need boundaries around your workload?
• Do you need boundaries in place regarding your device or social media use?
• How about your well-being or mental downtime?
• Do you actually need some boundaries in place around how you talk to yourself?

 

That last one is an interesting one, right?!

 

 

What’s The Cost of Weak Boundaries?

With non-existent and non-communicated boundaries…

You will most likely find yourself going round and round in circles…

The frustration mounting as nothing changes…

With the most frustrating thing being this:

That the negative outcomes and costs of having non-existent boundaries are always predictable too.

 

What keeps happening at work (or at home) that is driving you nuts?

What are the current costs to you of having weak or non-existent boundaries?

How it is actually causing you pain, a lack of sleep, anxiety etc?

How is it damaging how others are perceiving you?

As I mentioned right at the top of this post…

If you want to be regarded and respected as a go-to leader within your organisation…

Having – and critically, communicating – your boundaries is essential.

Rebecca x

 

3 FREE ways I can help you get promoted faster and thrive in your leadership role:

1/ Start building your personal brand! Download my awesome free resource: ‘The 7 Habits of Female Execs Who Get Promoted’ – Click here

2/ Get more practical support from my podcast, Her Ambitious Career, on Apple Podcasts – Click here

3/ Read a related post: People Pleasing Leadership: Is it Effective? – Click here