Boundaries in the Workplace Spring 2018

Boundaries in the Workplace

by : Elizabeth J. Stewart, LMFT | Kingdom Family Res. | Republished from 2018

In a work environment, it can be easy to fall into the pattern of allowing crossed boundaries because there is a lot of work to do. However, consider that if you are not careful, you will take on and do what others can do or take on what is not yours to do. Here are a few indicators that you may be allowing crossed boundaries: You go to work wondering who is going to bother you today, or you are the one who can’t wait to clock out? Are you tired of coworkers continually pulling on you to do something that they can do? If this describes you, then it is time for a “boundary check”! Your internal alarm goes off when feeling violated in the workplace and when you are overextended with work responsibilities. What is the sound or voice of your “internal alarm clock”? It is usually that inner voice telling you “I’m so tired of this” or you ask yourself “why am I doing this”?

After a while, you become frustrated or resentful because it’s you that ends up being the one to do it. If you examine why you lose track of your tasks and take on other things, you will find you are seeking to gain validation from others. It is human to desire validation. Watch any child as they are being affirmed and validated often and you will see a child who becomes secure in who they are and happy with where they are. If you did not grow up with affirmations and validation, you are bound to look for validation in others, and those others sometimes are not the healthiest people for you to obtain their validation. And in the workplace, the real problem sets in when your need for validation outweighs your ability to accomplish your current work tasks.

As a small business owner, it is vital that everything within the business points to the vision and mission of the company. In the workplace, there should be key measurable goals that employees should work toward attaining. If you as a business owner or manager are not communicating clearly what those quantifiable goals and expectations are, you are not helping your employees to stay on track with what they are doing. What if you are reading this and you recognize this is you, and you need a “boundary check”? Do not fear you can make adjustments to help you get back on track with what you need to do.

Here are a few suggestions on what adjustments you can make. 1. Make a workplace daily to-do-list. It can help you stay focused on daily tasks that need completion. Create a list for the next day and include un-completed tasks. 2. Put a “do not disturb” sign on your door or cubicle when it is time to be focused and work. If people knock on your door, don’t answer and if they come over to your cubicle, just tell them you are not available right now. Teach people not to disturb you when they see the sign. 3. Do not commit to helping with anything outside of your tasks without approval from your manager or immediate supervisor. 4. Reward yourself when you accomplish your tasks there is nothing wrong with self-validation and speaking positive words over yourself. 5. Remember, your focus is where you will end up!

You will find that as you accomplish your tasks, you are building skill sets that will qualify you to move up to your next level of promotion. Maintaining boundaries by focusing on your responsibilities will lead to you adding value to your company, value to your resume, and value to you as a person. Being an excellent employee is far more profitable than being the employee who does all kinds of tasks but doesn’t get their job done. Keep your boundaries in check!