BOUNDARIES ARE DEAD!

LONG LIVE LIMITATIONS!

If you talk about your boundaries in the workplace, some will listen. Some will try to respect them.

But you have my personal guarantee that some will do an internal eye roll and think you sound like an entitled snowflake.

Whether that’s right or wrong, when talking about your needs in the workplace, it’s best to watch your language. Because perceptions matter. And you’re more likely to get what you want if you communicate it in a way that engenders respect.

So less of the boundaries chat.

Why?

Because if you’re working in a fast-paced environment, (like law for example) the uncomfortable truth is that everyone (particularly your seniors) will have experienced their boundaries being breached in the workplace.

Being asked/told to stay late.

Having to put up with clients speaking to them like they're a piece of doggy doo-doo.

Their boss/supervisor giving them a hard time for making a mistake.

And so when they hear others complaining about boundary transgressions, they may well be lacking in sympathy.

Even if, outwardly, they say all the right things.

So, instead of talking about your boundaries (which, let’s face it, can sound well, a wee bit *optional*), talk in terms of your limitations instead.

These sound more concrete.

“I’m limited on that day. Please could we do [x] instead?”.

“I’m restricted that week but I can do…”

The added bonus is that, if you communicate this way, with more certainty, often people won’t press you further.

Because you sound like you're not to be messed with.

What do you think? Does language matter? Let me know in the comments

info@carvalhotherapy.com