Better Boundaries = Better Work
Photo by Redd F on Unsplash

Better Boundaries = Better Work

Many people struggle individually at setting boundaries, especially at work, as they worry about looking selfish. How can I be a team player and speak to my need? If you’re uncomfortable or anxious about boundary-setting, you might not be alone. So why not discuss boundaries as an entire team?

Boundaries are just as important in the workplace as they are in our personal lives. Without strong work boundaries, you run the risk of your team members burning out, or becoming resentful and unsatisfied with their job – all which can lead to lower productivity. So, setting clear, healthy boundaries for everyone on your team is essential for keeping every member of the team happy and productive.

To set boundaries with your team, try following these five steps:

  1. Identify where boundaries are needed.?Find time for the team to discuss where work lines are?blurred, whose roles aren’t clear, or where they feel they have competing priorities. Using surveys, polls, or groups discussion are a great way to start the conversation.?Encourage team embers to be as specific as possible to identify communication, physical, emotional, or psychological boundaries they need.?Clarifying boundaries upfront reduces possible conflicts later.
  2. Set up systems to support the boundaries.?Once you have heard where people would like more boundaries, as a team try to identify the top 4 to 5 areas where defines lines would benefit most everyone – such as making sure there is designated time every day for individual work or clarity around work hours. Set up clear schedules that block individual work time or communication protocol for emergency only after work hours communication.
  3. Provide the space to people to discuss specific personal needs that aren’t met by the larger team boundaries.?It is O.K. to say “no” when you have a few specific needs if it is done politely and firmly.?“I won’t be able to stay the weekend as I want to pick my daughter up from camp to see the end of week program and hear about her week. This only happens once a year and it is important to me.”??
  4. Hold people accountable.?Follow through is key. If agreements aren’t followed, it will hurt the team. Make sure that everyone on the team understands and supports the new boundaries.?Make them easily accessible.?Discuss them at meetings to reinforce where they are being followed and where they need to be reinforced.?Let people know when they forget. “I am sorry I can’t meet during that time as that is our team’s designated individual work time.”
  5. Understand that boundaries will be crossed.?Think about it—if you never had to enforce boundaries, why would you need them in the first place? Just because boundaries are set doesn’t mean that there won’t be times that exceptions might be needed.?If boundaries have been respected to this point, typically team members will be more willing to help if they know it is the exception rather than the rule. Here is how you might respond if they are crossed:

  • Don’t take it personally.?Others are busy and trying to find the easiest solution.?Take?a few minutes to calm yourself before responding as you want to avoid becoming confrontational.
  • If you have to make an exception, restate the boundary and your flexibility in a respectful manner.?“I don’t usually work over the weekend, and I understand this is a very unusual situation.”
  • If you can’t make an exception, offer an alternative solution to soften the blow.?While it’s OK to say “no”, trying to find a win-win solution will show your team members that you care about their problem.?This can send the message that you respect their need, and your own.?Try saying “This week is packed.?Is there a part of this I can help with next week?”

While setting boundaries on a team isn’t easy, it can create a more positive team dynamic.?Clear boundaries can help members focus on their work.?It also signals to each team member that they are respected and heard, making them a calmer and happier person to collaborate with!?

??Eric Cook, MBA

?? Recovering Banker ?? AI Advocate ???? Digital Marketer ?? Mastermind Mentor ?? Public Speaker ??? Podcast Host ??♂? Avid Cyclist #SocialBankers

1 年

Some great ideas here for sure, Nan. I think there are a lot (ok, almost all) of the elements that you mention that I'm doing the opposite of - so your article is a great reminder for me.

Jeff Vohs

Stateline Market President at CBI Bank & Trust

1 年

Great suggestions Nan! Recently myself and one of my teammates have been discussing work boundaries. It is not easy to say no but is needed at times.

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Nan Gesche, MA的更多文章

  • The Power of Recognition

    The Power of Recognition

    Several years ago, a client brought me in to provide resiliency training for their frontline staff. This often goes…

    3 条评论
  • Empathy and Accountability

    Empathy and Accountability

    What if I told you that the team member who frustrates you most — the one who seems at times impossible to work with —…

    4 条评论
  • Snap Decisions vs. Snap Judgement: The Leadership Balancing Act

    Snap Decisions vs. Snap Judgement: The Leadership Balancing Act

    While attending a meeting recently, a sharp, articulate colleague—let’s call him Curt—showed the stark difference…

    14 条评论
  • The Misfit Advantage: From Team Fit to Team Add

    The Misfit Advantage: From Team Fit to Team Add

    It wasn’t your typical resume. The job called for a college degree and years of experience, yet this applicant hadn’t…

    3 条评论
  • Your Fired! Really, Isn't There A Better Option?

    Your Fired! Really, Isn't There A Better Option?

    About once a year, I get a phone call from someone wanting to fire a team member as they move through a change. They…

    4 条评论
  • Courage is Contagious

    Courage is Contagious

    Most of us carry a regret or two that we can’t quite shake. Often, these regrets come from missed opportunities where…

    7 条评论
  • Unpack Your Bags

    Unpack Your Bags

    When working with teams, I often emphasize that teamwork is, at its core, an individual skill. It’s an inside job.

    4 条评论
  • Character

    Character

    My dear friend Ginny used to talk about her former partner as a “street angel, house devil”. Having not heard this…

    1 条评论
  • Transactional vs. Transformational Conversations

    Transactional vs. Transformational Conversations

    Imagine if the only time you talked to your significant other or a friend was to ask for something. How might they feel…

    3 条评论
  • Supercommunicators: How to Have a Collaborative Conversation

    Supercommunicators: How to Have a Collaborative Conversation

    “Why can’t they just do what I asked them to do? It isn’t that hard?” This is a common reaction when coaching managers…

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了