Setting Boundaries
Sandra Warne (BS, CDC, CRC)
Strategic Associate Global Clinical Project Manager | Driving Clinical Trials From Concept To Completion | Leading in Phase I - III Trials
The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything. - Warren Buffet
I remember asking a friend of mine for advice. She is highly respected in the #clinicalresarch society, a social person and it was crucial in my early career.
Even though we had an established relationship, she told me, “No, I can’t meet then. Evenings are reserved for my family.”
I was shocked, and a little numb. It hurt a little truth to be told, but after a bit, I realized that her “NO” made me respect her even more.
Instead of talking in the evening, she suggested that I call her in the morning and make an appointment with her administrator or email my questions and she would get back to me. She defined her boundaries and “letting go” of having to please me (and forgo time with her husband and kids).
For my friend, “having it all” meant saying “NO” so she could have a successful career during the day and beloved family time in the evenings. She knows her time is limited and reduces her obligations to the core of what she wants to accomplish. Lesson learned my friend, lesson learned.
Keep in mind that once you find your ideal work environment to create the type of work-life balance you’ve been seeking, it can require ongoing check-ins with yourself to make sure that you maintain it.
How do you find the flexibility you need?
#clinicaltrials #clinicaloperations #biotech #pharma
AI Reviewer | Chemistry Expertise
1 年Sandra Warne (BS, CDC, CRC) Great reminder, Sandra! Your friend demonstrates the importance of boundaries for protecting priorities and achieving self-care. A clear "no" signals commitment to quality, respect for others' time, and respect for ourselves. While "no" is crucial, "not right now" or "no, and [alternative solution]" are powerful tools for effective schedule management.?Finding the right timing and redefining processes creates flexibility and fosters long-term success. "No, and" Scenario: Suppose you are a Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) overseeing a complex, time-sensitive study. A sponsor requests an ad-hoc video conference to discuss additional study sites, potentially impacting your timeline for other urgent tasks. Applying my 'No, and' approach, the CTM could reply, "I can't jump on a call today, but I understand the urgency of expanding sites. Could you send the proposed locations and preliminary questions? I'll review everything tomorrow, and we'll schedule a video conference call to discuss feasibility." Effective 'schedule management' is core skillset for setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, maintaining relationships, and achieving win-win outcomes in the long run.
Global communication expert | I help Biopharma and MedDev optimize translation to achieve regulatory compliance and improve patient outcomes | PhD Chemist | Award-winning translator
1 年I love this. So important to be able to set those boundaries and say no. I don't have any problem holding myself accountable to external boundaries like taking business calls after work, or not accepting another volunteer role for a given year, but I have to keep on working on holding myself accountable for boundaries that only matter to me, like my exercise block or days when I should stay offline.
Founder | Rare Disease | Patient Experience | Advisor | Speaker | You Need to #Askpatients | Create Better Products and Services Through Collaboration with Patients and Caregivers | Savvy Cooperative
1 年It's inspiring to see how your friend prioritized her family by saying 'no' when necessary. Setting boundaries is crucial. Thank you for sharing this valuable lesson.
Clinical Trial Manager at Q32 Bio Inc.
1 年Great article. Boundaries are so important. And you are right, people who set boundaries ARE RESPECTED!
C-Suite Strategic Consultant | Commercialization Executive | Clinical Development Leader | Board-Level Patient Advocate | Global Alliance Management Expert | Founder & Principal
1 年Sandra, boundry setting for me, is a learned skill. It's terribly difficult for pleaser personalities like myself so I thought your article was quite good. I'm sending you a contact to a terrific coach, Angie McQuillin, who makes boundary setting an art and thought you'd enjoy following her and taking her free master course as she might be someone of value to you: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/leadershipmasterclass-howtobemo7150146232022122496/