How can you effectively communicate your boundaries with clients or customers?

1 Why boundaries are important

Boundaries are the rules and expectations that you set for yourself and others in your personal and professional interactions. They help you define what you are comfortable with, what you value, and what you need to perform your best. Boundaries can also protect you from stress, resentment, and exploitation, and allow you to have more control over your time, energy, and resources.

2 How to identify your boundaries

Before you can communicate your boundaries, you need to know what they are. To identify your boundaries, ask yourself questions such as what your goals and priorities are in your work, what the expectations and requirements of your role and contract are, and what the non-negotiables and deal-breakers for you are. Additionally, consider how you prefer to communicate, work, and receive feedback, as well as the signs that indicate when you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or disrespected. Finally, think about how you cope with challenging situations and emotions. By answering these questions, you can gain clarity on your boundaries and recognize when they are being crossed or violated.

3 How to communicate your boundaries

Once you have identified your boundaries, it's important to communicate them clearly and confidently to your clients or customers. To do this, be proactive and consistent with your communication from the start of the relationship. Make sure to use specific and realistic terms that describe your boundaries and expectations. Be respectful and positive in your language, expressing your needs and values without harshness or accusation. Lastly, be open to questions, feedback, or concerns from your clients or customers. Invite them to ask questions or share comments about your boundaries.

4 How to handle boundary violations

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter situations where your clients or customers violate your boundaries, intentionally or unintentionally. In order to handle boundary violations, it is important to acknowledge and address the violation immediately. Don't ignore or minimize the violation, as it can lead to resentment, frustration, or loss of trust. Reinforce and renegotiate your boundaries and set clear consequences and expectations for the future. If the relationship is not working for you or your client or customer, evaluate and end the relationship. Don't tolerate or endure repeated or severe boundary violations. For example, if a client calls you after hours, explain how it affects you and your work and state that you expect them to respect your working hours. If they continue to call you after hours, inform them that you will have to charge an extra fee or terminate the contract. Ultimately, if they do not respect your boundaries or follow through with their commitments, you may need to end the relationship.

5 How to maintain your boundaries

Communicating your boundaries is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. To maintain your boundaries, it’s important to review and revise them periodically to ensure they are still working for you and your clients or customers. Monitor and manage your emotions, expressing them in a healthy and constructive way. Additionally, don’t isolate yourself or struggle alone with your boundaries; seek and offer support from colleagues, friends, or mentors. This will provide valuable insight and advice to help you communicate your boundaries effectively.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?