There is a lot of information about the benefits of setting boundaries.
Improved wellbeing.
Higher productivity.
Deeper engagement.
Increased self-esteem.
Yet, the benefits don’t help us figure out how to set the boundaries.
My Perspective
I think we should each create our list of boundaries.
Having defined rules will make decisions clear.
We could also have a response ready for various situations.
This would make it easier to explain our boundaries to others.
Thinking about my own work boundaries, here are a few examples of what might make the list:
- No meetings before 9am – I do my best work in the early hours and want to preserve the time.
- Alone time mid-day – I’m an introvert and need a moment to recharge doing quiet work.
- No hugging – I’ve never been a fan of work hugging.
- No gossiping – Nothing productive comes from work gossip. Build others up, not down.
There is no “right” list.
Our boundaries are our own.
The trick is to know what makes the list so that we can work to set limits.
Without boundaries, our wellbeing declines and we are at the whim of others.
Your Turn
What are your work boundaries?
Do you enforce these in your day-to-day work life?
How could you establish a stronger boundary this week?