HOW TO SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES AT WORK
When most people think of boundaries, they think of rules that govern, and touch people physically and their personal space. So, setting healthy boundaries at the workplace go much deeper. It also defines how much of yourself you give to your career. These propel and form how your relationships with managers, colleagues, and clients will be.
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However, Healthy boundaries make the difference between professional fulfillment and burnout. They are the physical, emotional, and mental limits you create to protect yourself from overcommitting, being used, or behaving in unethical ways. Boundaries separate what you think and feel from the thoughts and feelings of others.
HOW DO WE SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES IN THE WORKPLACE:
Figure out where limits need to be set: This can be done by paying attention to people’s emotions and situations. When you work with people who feel like work is consuming their lives, then the need to conduct a boundary audit is required.
Define what needs to be changed: when the audit is conducted it helps to know what to change, when to change and where the change is needed. This can be in their personal or particular, experiencing actions that cause them distress or discomfort in three key areas, like, emotions—guilt, resentment, and anger. This is a signal that a boundary has been crossed, needs to be reset, or needs to be communicated more clearly.
Communicate clearly: Healthy boundaries aren’t meant to punish; they’re meant to be mutually beneficial and supportive. If you have to set a boundary with another person, think of approaching the conversation like a negotiation. Ask your boss, partner, or whomever you’re speaking with to describe the situation from their perspective as well to keep the lines of communication open. You need to understand the other person’s needs and desires in addition to being up-front about your perspective. Don’t get defensive; communicate assertively. Avoid accusatory language like “it’s not fair” and instead focus on making “I” statements that show you take responsibility for your actions.
Prepare for pushback: Once you start establishing healthy expectations, others may react negatively. Boundary-crossers may get angry. This is to be expected. It’s a sign that the boundary is necessary and that it’s working effectively. Instead of viewing violations as setbacks, see them as opportunities to gain insight and improve on your boundary-setting. It’s helpful to anticipate these moments of violation.
Moreso, visualize your boundaries getting crossed and imagine how you’ll handle those situations. This way, when a moment like this comes up, you won’t be hijacked by your emotions. You’ll be able to handle it more rationally.
Building boundaries takes time and practice. It may be nerve-racking at first, but setting self-respecting boundaries will help you achieve a more balanced work and personal life over the long run.