3 in 30: How to Set Boundaries at Work with Career Coach Marnie Lemonik

Avoiding "Maybe" and Setting Clear Expectations

• 💡 Avoid using the word "maybe" as it often delays uncomfortable conversations and creates mental clutter.
• 🎯 When needing time to consider a request, clearly state what's blocking an immediate answer (e.g., "I'm in the middle of XYZ this week") and provide a deadline for your decision.
• 🔑 If you must say no, explain relevant factors (e.g., current priorities) and commit to a feasible deadline if support is needed later.
• ✅ For immediate yeses, clearly state when you can deliver (e.g., "I can get it to you by Thursday morning") to manage expectations.

Leveraging Tools and Systems for Boundaries

• 🚀 Calendar blocking and tools like Clockwise can automatically update your status on messaging platforms (like Slack) to indicate when you're in meetings or focused work.
• 🗓️ Block off personal time (e.g., childcare, life) on your work calendar to proactively communicate your availability outside of core hours.
• 📹 Loom is a video messaging tool that can replace unnecessary meetings for async updates, tutorials, or feedback, saving time and reducing meeting fatigue.
• 🤖 Utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to help draft professional responses for declining requests or setting boundaries.

Anticipating and Managing Pushback

• ⚠️ Anticipate pushback as a normal part of the boundary-setting process, rather than fearing it.
• 🌱 Boundaries can and should evolve with you as your role or life circumstances change (e.g., becoming a people manager).
• 🤝 People may test boundaries not out of malice, but simply to get their work done; don't let pushback feel like a personal failing.
• 🌟 Setting boundaries is a proactive and consistent act that is kind to yourself and others by setting clear expectations.

Boundaries for Career Growth

• 🛠️ Boundaries help you become invaluable by focusing on impactful work, rather than indispensable, which can hinder career advancement.
• 📈 Setting boundaries enables you to grow in the direction you want for your career, as being indispensable can trap you in your current role.
• 🤝 Quality over quantity applies to social work events; choose outings that offer the most value for networking and personal connection.