Setting Boundaries in Consultant Collaborations

You're apologizing for things you shouldn't. 12 moments for boundaries (not guilt) 👇🏼 I used to say "sorry" for needing focused time "Sorry" for enforcing a deadline Even "sorry" for being right Now I say something else. And honor my boundaries without apologizing for them ✨ Here's how to set boundaries without guilt: 1. When you need focused work time ↳ Replace "Sorry I can't meet" with "I'm blocking focused time until 2pm for priority work" 2. When you're taking approved time off ↳ Replace "Sorry I'll be out" with "I'll be unavailable during my scheduled leave from [dates]" 3. When you're asking for critical information ↳ Replace "Sorry to bother you" with "To move this project forward, I need [specific info] by [date]" 4. When you decline additional work ↳ Replace "Sorry I can't help" with "My current priorities require my full attention right now" 5. When you're leaving on time ↳ Replace "Sorry I have to go" with "I'm heading out for the day - need anything before I leave?" 6. When you need to redirect a conversation ↳ Replace "Sorry to interrupt" with "Before we move on, I'd like to address [topic]" 7. When someone disrespects your time ↳ Replace "Sorry, but I have another meeting" with "We have 5 min left, let's prioritize" 8. When enforcing agreed-upon deadlines ↳ Replace "Sorry to ask" with "As agreed, I'll need your input by [deadline] to stay on schedule" 9. When your expertise contradicts others ↳ Replace "Sorry, but I disagree" with "Based on my experience, I see this differently because..." 10. When discussing your achievements ↳ Replace "Sorry to share this" with "I'm excited to share that our team accomplished..." 11. When addressing inappropriate behavior ↳ Replace "Sorry if this is awkward" with "That approach doesn't work for me. Here's what does..." 12. When prioritizing your wellbeing ↳ Replace "Sorry I need to step away" with "I'm taking a break to ensure I bring my best thinking" Strong professionals don't apologize for their boundaries. They communicate them with confidence ✨ Which situation will you stop apologizing for this week? Share below! -- ♻️ Repost to help your network transform apologies into influence 🔔 Follow Dr. Carolyn Frost for more strategies to succeed with confidence and clarity

How I Preserve My Sanity as a Program Manager at Amazon When I first started as a program manager at Amazon, I thought the key to success was being available 24/7 and saying “yes” to everything. It didn’t take long to realize that approach wasn’t sustainable. Setting boundaries became essential—not just for me, but for my cross-functional partners as well. Here’s what’s helped me: 1️⃣ Be Clear About Priorities It’s easy to get pulled in every direction. Now, when a new request comes in, I take a step back and evaluate it against current priorities. If it doesn’t align, I explain why or outline what trade-offs would be required. Being upfront ensures everyone is focused on what truly matters. 2️⃣ Protect Focus Time I used to let my calendar fill up with back-to-back meetings, leaving no room for deep work. Now, I block focus time and let my partners know that’s when I tackle the bigger, strategic tasks. It’s made a huge difference in my productivity. 3️⃣ Empower Cross-Functional Partners I used to feel like I needed to be involved in every decision. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my partners to take ownership in their areas. Empowering them not only speeds up progress but also strengthens our collaboration. 4️⃣ Communicate Clearly and Consistently Boundaries only work if everyone’s on the same page. I make sure to align on responsibilities, timelines, and deliverables early. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and builds stronger relationships. Setting boundaries isn’t about doing less—it’s about making space to focus on what matters most. It’s been a game-changer for my work and my collaborations. How do you set boundaries in your role? #Leadership #ProgramManagement #Amazon #WorkLifeBalance