5 Ways To Manage Your Boundaries And Be Clear About Your Expectations In The Workplace By Marika Messager

With the level of technology that allows interconnectivity, the flexible work hours, and remote workplaces, it has become even harder for employees to set healthy boundaries at work. Remember that the way you respond teaches people how to treat you because you are clearly showing what you allow, what you refuse, and what you will reinforce. 

Having Conscious boundaries is important. This is defined as a Definite Place where your personal space begins and that of another person ends. It is also a Definite Place where your responsibility ends and that of another person begins. 

So how do you manage your boundaries and be clear about your wants, needs and expectations in the workplace? Here are 5 easy ways below by Marika Messager the CEO and founder of Conscious Leadership.

First, define your personal boundaries

Take the time to assess your own boundaries and limits before you communicate these to others. Your boundaries will be rooted in your own core values and what you prioritise in life. 

Remember that setting boundaries is a form of self-care and self-love. It is putting yourself first and focusing on what will ultimately serve you and your performance – and this defines how you set your professional boundaries.  

Have a clear structure

Structure is very important to have in the workplace and takes any guessing out of the equation and guarantees that no boundaries are crossed. Structure is especially helpful in assigning roles so that there are clear guidelines on who is responsible for what.

Having a clear structure helps establish realistic expectations as well. Expectations are usually a product of an individual’s assumption. Conscious boundaries not only exist to draw a clear line for the people you work with, but are also a way to set realistic expectations for them. 

In any organisation, it is important to be clear not only on what is expected from each employee, but to make sure that these expectations are achievable and work well within their boundaries.

Communicate your boundaries from an expansive state

Now that you know what boundaries you need to set in order to be aligned with your most authentic self, you must be able to communicate these boundaries from an expansive state. In establishing healthy boundaries, you should not focus on the limits that you require, but focus more on what good these boundaries will do for you and for the rest of the team. Recognise others’ Definite Place and have respect as well for their own boundaries when communicating yours.

It’s ok to say NO

When boundaries are broken, it usually results in stress, disappointment, and resentment. You just need to go back to the basics and remember that you cannot allow yourself to be involved in situations that don’t serve your purpose.

Many are afraid to set boundaries in fear of disappointing people they work with, but on the contrary, many don’t realise that Conscious Boundaries will eventually be for the good of everyone because it allows space for each individual to perform better and be more efficient.

Consider your safety

Boundaries help the team understand the place they work in. With each individual being clear on what they will and will not allow leaves no room for misunderstandings that might later on lead to conflict that could result in one feeling unsafe in the workplace.

Set a clear line on what you will allow and what you will not tolerate. Be firm with these boundaries. Having the feeling of security in the workplace is essential to being able to contribute to its growth.

Having blurred lines with the management’s expectations and your role can be very stressful. Setting healthy boundaries from the start is a good way to ensure that you maintain your productivity as well as the social dynamics in the workplace.

There should always be a clear definition of Conscious boundaries and expectations. When everybody works within their boundaries and recognises and respects others, everybody is able to become more productive and function more effectively. Ultimately, it is for the “greater good” because the team can be more productive, work more efficiently, and everybody ends up content and motivated.