How sharing your boundaries can help others

When you lead a team, your actions and behaviours set the culture and the tone. I am sure it comes as no surprise to read this; the content of many a Leadership Course will have discussed the importance of role modelling. However, today I don’t want to pick apart the numerous theories on motivation and leadership styles. I want to share a simple lesson that can help not only you but also those in your team. How sharing your boundaries can actually help others too!

 

I recall my early career when I was new to leadership. I made many mistakes, which were underpinned by one misconception; that managers needed to be emotional Teflon. Nothing would stick, you always towed the “official line” and you kept home and work separately. And rule number one, NEVER BE VULNERABLE. I am glad to say, after several cathartic experiences, I learned a new way of leadership over time. Now, as a Career Coach, I sit alongside people, helping them delve into what works for them, whilst hearing what ISN’T working.

 

The past two years have blurred the line between home and work and removed the privacy that many held dear. Lounges have hosted virtual working lunches, whilst bedrooms have often become an online boardroom. We have craved connection and have been driven to be more open; bringing our pets and our kids onto Zoom and Teams calls, and sharing what has helped our wellbeing.

 

Now things are starting to return to a (more) hybrid way of working, let’s not forget what helped us through these hard times. Let’s remember the promises we made to ourselves, our colleagues, our peers, friends and families about work-life balance! If you haven’t yet, take some time to consider what your boundaries are right now. Not sure how? You need to read this blog; “How to craft your boundaries”.

 

Now you have these boundaries in mind (such as working hours, availability, wellbeing breaks), and what you want for your business, you need to communicate them. Examples of “how”, include:

 

1. Placing your working hours in your email signature
2. Updating your out of office to take into consideration your plans 
3. Blocking out time in your sharable diary for daily lunch breaks
4. Not apologising for your availably
5. Sharing which activities you find enjoyable outside of work
6. Not responding to or sending email 24/7!
7. Allocate project work, and creative thinking time, within your diary, not just meetings!
8. Emphasising that your working hours may be different to others; remove assumptions.

 

The benefit of making these boundaries visible through action firstly benefits you; they help you set expectations with others, and guide you to say “No”, “Not Yet”, or “Yes”. However, the public nature of these boundaries also helps those in your team. By witnessing managers and leaders taking ownership of their work-life balance, and therefore their well-being, people are encouraged to do the same. You can build a supportive and balanced culture, where everyone can unapologetically find the time to take a step back, proactively look after their day-to-day wellbeing needs, as well as perform their best at work. 

I am sure we have all sat through a range of well-being workshops recently. You may have sat through one of mine! There is an aim to be in work that makes us feel connected, purposeful, cared for and safe. Let’s build these environments by being role models for each other, clearly showing the world what it means to have a career to enjoy. Will you be the one that adopts this new way of communicating what keeps your well, and start the ripple that will change the workplace for all?

 

Come along to Creating Careers To Enjoy and share how you share your boundaries at work. Or, let us know how others encourage you to do the same? 

 

If you would like to read more blogs on balance and leadership, you can find them here.