Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, FL and proud member of ELGL’s Board of Directors. Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.
- What I’m lamenting: I went to the last City of Parkland Farmer’s Market of the season this morning. Until November {sigh}…
- What I’m cooking tonight: Shrimp risotto with strawberry/blackberry pie for dessert.
- What I’m watching: “Your Friends & Neighbors” on Apple TV+. Intriguing secrets lie behind wealthy facades.
In a previous Morning Buzz article, I wrote about slowing down at work, the pressure to always be “on,” and not taking on too many things simultaneously. Making a conscious choice to take your time can help you prioritize your well-being. But sometimes the only way to get to a more manageable pace is to just say no.
Wait, isn’t that going to get me fired? Isn’t that going to label me as difficult to work with? Saying no at the right time and in the right way can help prevent burnout, enhance your productivity, and promote a healthy workplace culture. In today’s fast-paced work environment, where the boundaries between personal and professional life can easily blur, establishing clear limits is more essential than ever.
What are some things you might want to say no to?
- Negativity and rumors
- Scheduling unnecessary meetings
- Things that suck your energy or take your time unnecessarily
- Things that crush your peace
Here are some thoughts on setting and maintaining boundaries to protect your well-being and ensure your effectiveness at work:
Recognize the Importance of Boundaries.
Understanding why boundaries matter is the first step toward creating them. Effective boundaries protect your time, energy, and mental health. They allow you to engage fully in your work without compromising yourself. Recognizing that boundaries benefit you, your colleagues, and the organization can reinforce your commitment to maintaining them.
Define Your Limits.
The truth is, you’re not always available, and you are allowed to set limits. To draw the line effectively, you must clearly define your boundaries, matching your work responsibilities. Consider various aspects of your work life, such as work hours that aren’t excessive and include breaks, a workload where you don’t take on everyone else’s tasks, and time at home that doesn’t include constantly checking work emails.
Say No, But.
In my career in Human Resources, I learned early on that employees tend to label HR as people who always say no. But that is usually the result of HR not providing an answer. When confronted with a bad idea at work, try to say, “No, you can’t do that, but here’s what you can do.” Find out the other person’s end goal and then find different ways to get there.
Just Do It.
Saying no can be challenging but is vital for maintaining your limits. When presented with new tasks or responsibilities that stretch you too thin, evaluate them against your existing workload and boundaries. If they don’t align, politely decline and explain your reasons. Remember, saying no doesn’t mean you’re uncooperative; it means you’re committed to delivering quality work.
Prioritize Self-Care.
Taking care of yourself can often take a back seat to the hustle of daily tasks. Prioritize activities that recharge and rejuvenate you — whether pursuing a hobby, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Caring for yourself makes you better equipped to perform at work and maintain healthy boundaries.
Drawing the line and having limits at work is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By recognizing the importance of boundaries, defining your limits, and communicating them effectively, you can protect your well-being while being a valuable team member. Prioritizing self-care and fostering a supportive workplace culture will benefit you and enable your colleagues to thrive. Embrace your boundaries, they’re a vital part of achieving personal and professional success.