Boundaries Workplace co Workers Establishing Boundaries
Carol, the receptionist always keeps the office line busy with long personal calls to her boyfriend and a litany of friends so that you are forced to make that important call to your client through your cell phone. Peter on the other hand – the office playboy – cannot seem to keep his eyes off you yet he knows very well you just returned from your honeymoon. As if this is not enough, John and Rose are no longer hiding their steaming affair irrespective of the fact that both of their spouses were introduced to everyone in the office during the last Christmas party.
All these examples showcase a lack of boundary in the workplace, a factor that is the cause of a number of disagreements or create an atmosphere that is not conducive for effective staff performance. Establishing and maintaining boundaries is therefore key and involves the following;
Identify and set the boundaries
We have our boundaries crossed in the workplace because of one simple fact, we have none! Many a times we are caught between being stern and being the friendly co-worker everyone wants to associate with and unfortunately if you want to always be the latter, then setting boundaries may be difficult but not impossible. First adhere to the company policy on engagement with colleagues. If you do not want to go to lunch at that expensive restaurant across the street then just decline the invitation. If Sandra comes over to talk to you about Cecilia’s recent troubles, be firm over your resolve not to entertain office gossip.
Do and Act as you say
If you would frown at office relationships and are vocal about it, do not be caught dead in one. The best way to establish a boundary is to respect office regulations as set down first before you expect the same from others. This is even more important if you are in a senior position and you have a number of employees reporting to you, then the stakes for maintaining a good example are high.
Keep it formal
You are aware that Peter has been making not so subtle comments about how gorgeous you look and is not afraid to ask what more he can do to make you look even better. Being aware that his roving eye has landed on you the situation is bound to get tricky should you agree to remain behind with him only and stay late to work on that urgent report. Avoid situations that will allow the lines between you and your colleagues to be blurred.
Separate the personal from the professional
Your boss sends you a friend request on facebook and this throws you in dilemma. Do you accept, hence allowing them into your personal space or do you decline, which might be interpreted wrongly? Declining is the best choice so as to keep your personal space out of the office. However if your appraisal is coming up and you need to maintain cordiality to score the yearly increase, then let them in but keep your personal stuff out. Use it the way you would office mail and choose to open another private account where you can rant and rave.
