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!?