I get a lot of messages each week about how to establish and communicate healthy boundaries in the work place. I have realized the more I coach women in this work, the more confident they become in not just their personal lives but also their professional ones. This is the power of knowing your own WORTH.
Whether you are a business owner, or an employee for some one else, healthy boundaries will ensure you are meeting the expectations set forth in your position, while also leading others with integrity. Boundaries ensure that you aren’t burning yourself out or losing joy in your 9-5. After all, you and I were created to work. And we simply can’t enjoy what we do if we don’t have healthy limits established.
Communication is key. Attack the problem before the problem attacks your business. It is easy as a business owner to over look minor issues. But what happens is, these minor issues become major ones. The best time to attack a problem is before it becomes a major issue.
Over deliver and under promise. Are you promising more than you can actually deliver? This is a huge no no, and a sure fire way to erode trust within your team. It is always better to be straight up about what you can offer, than to offer what you know you probably can’t produce and then leave others hanging, or worse, deliver low quality work.
Confrontation is essential. It feels like we are becoming more and more afraid of confrontation. Unfortunately, this leaves little room for practice. It is important to make space for healthy confrontation. When you can confront each other kindly and honestly about clear responsibilities, tasks or even something like going over on a lunch break, it creates a culture where honesty is at the helm. This matters because then there is no egg shell walking between employees and management.
No meetings after the meeting (gossip!) Wow. I can’t tell you how often I hear this being an issue inside my membership. Women from all sorts of backgrounds and sectors are becoming less and less prone to gossip, because of is dysfunctional and destructive nature. yay! Simply put, if you have an issue, take it directly to the person, and don’t have a meeting about it “after the meeting.” This is harmful and is simply not effective. Have the courage to speak up with the positive intention that you want to reach a solution for the whole of the team.
Don’t be afraid to set personal limits, too. Whether you own a small business or you work for someone, begin to set up a frame work of healthy limitations on yourself. Maybe this means not working during dinner with your family, or leaving those emails to sit in your inbox until Monday so you can enjoy a weekend off. Whatever it looks like, it is important to set yourself up for success so that when you do work, you are doing so refreshed and recharged.
What else would you add as a business owner or employee? I would love to hear from you.
