How to Set Boundaries to Improve Job Performance

Everyone loves an empathetic leader… until it leads to burnout, poor decision-making, and weak accountability. I learned this the hard way. Early in my leadership journey, I wanted to be the leader everyone liked—the one who always listened, understood, and supported my team at all costs. I thought that being a "nice" leader meant being a great leader. So, I said yes to everything. I took on my team’s stress as my own. I avoided tough conversations because I didn’t want to seem harsh. I thought I was helping. But in reality? 🚨 My team wasn’t growing because I wasn’t holding them accountable. 🚨 I was drowning in emotional exhaustion. 🚨 Decisions took forever because I didn’t want to upset anyone. Then one day, someone gave me the leadership advice that changed everything: “Stop trying to be nice. Be kind instead.” At first, I didn’t get it. But here’s the difference: 🔹 Nice leaders avoid conflict, tell people what they want to hear, and prioritize being liked over being effective. 🔹 Kind leaders are direct, honest, and hold people accountable—but do so with empathy and respect. And resreach backs this up. 🔹 Leaders with excessive empathy experience higher emotional exhaustion and burnout. (Harvard Business Review) 🔹 70% of employees say they perform better when leaders balance empathy with accountability. (McKinsey & Co.) 🔹 Decision paralysis increases by 31% when leaders prioritize emotional comfort over clarity. (Forbes) I realized that true leadership isn’t about being nice—it’s about being effective. So, how do you balance empathy with assertiveness? ✅ Set Clear Boundaries: You can care about your team without carrying their burdens. Your job is to support, not solve everything for them. ✅ Make Tough Decisions with Compassion: Being direct and holding people accountable isn’t unkind—it’s necessary for growth. ✅ Lead with Emotional Agility: Recognize emotions but don’t let them drive every decision. Data, strategy, and logic must have a seat at the table. When I finally made this shift, my team respected me more, performed better, and trusted me—not because I was “nice,” but because I was a strong, fair, and effective leader. So, if you’ve ever struggled with being too nice as a leader, ask yourself: Am I leading with balanced empathy, or am I letting it hold me back? #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #DecisionMaking #ExecutiveCoaching #ManagementTips

Boundaries aren't barriers, they’re bridges to better productivity and balance. As Chiefs of Staff or Executive Assistants (or any role where we support an executive), we often juggle endless priorities and demands. Someone told me yesterday that they "heard" Chiefs of Staff have 60+ hour work weeks! 😬 😆 Maybe... if they're doing it wrong... The truth is effectiveness doesn’t come from doing everything. It comes from doing the RIGHT things *while* protecting your time, energy, and focus. That’s where boundaries come in. They’re not about saying "no" all the time— they’re about creating clarity, alignment, and space for what truly matters. Here are some important boundaries that can transform how you work (swipe through to see the what, why, and how behind these!): 1️⃣ Availability Boundaries Define when you’re accessible and how quickly you respond. Setting working hours and response times helps you protect personal time and focus. 2️⃣ Time Boundaries Guard your schedule to focus on high-priority tasks. Block time for deep work and use shared calendars to communicate your availability. 3️⃣ Emotional Boundaries Separate your emotions from work dynamics. Protect yourself from absorbing unnecessary stress or conflicts that aren’t yours to resolve. 4️⃣ Responsibility Boundaries Clarify what tasks you own and what should be handled by others. This prevents overextension and ensures you’re working on high-impact priorities. 5️⃣ Communication Boundaries Structure how and when communication happens. Batch questions, use agendas, and set expectations for response times to avoid inefficiencies. ➡️ When you set boundaries, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also creating a more ⭐️ structured, ⭐️ efficient, and ⭐️ effective work environment for everyone around you. Which boundary has been the most game-changing for you? Or which one do you want to set moving forward? Let’s discuss below! === 🔔 Be sure to follow me Melanie Jones The Chief of Staff Coach™, for more insights on how to be more effective in your role! ♻️ Repost to help spread awareness about effective boundaries

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲. - You need clarity. - You need respect. - You need space to protect your well-being. Some of the hardest lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from being treated unfairly. They came from not setting boundaries soon enough. If you want to thrive at work without burning out, here are 5 boundaries worth setting (and none of them make you “difficult”): ☝🏼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 → Just because you can reply after 7pm doesn’t mean you should. ✌🏼 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 → Your value isn’t tied to being constantly available. 🤟🏼 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 → Silence helps no one. Especially not you. 🖖🏼 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 → You can be helpful without being a doormat. 🖐🏼 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀—𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀 → Invest in what helps you grow, not just what keeps others comfortable. Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re doors to healthier, more sustainable careers. What’s one boundary you’ve set that changed the way you work?

I spent a decade sacrificing everything for my first company (health, family, even my honeymoon). Now, as a dad of three, I'm building my 2nd company completely differently. Here's how: == I used to work 16-hour days, weekends, and holidays. Now? • I work 8-5. • I don’t work weekends. • I take a month-long family trip every summer. Here’s how I made it happen: == 1. Redefine success. During my first startup, success meant hustle and hyper-growth at any cost. Now, success is about building a business that: • Lasts 50+ years. • Stays profitable from day one. • Protects my health and relationships. == 2. Set non-negotiable boundaries. I made a rule when I started @useonward: I work 8-5, Monday through Friday. That’s it. Busyness is no longer a badge of honor. Setting boundaries make you sharper, more creative, and more present as a leader. == 3. Choose a business model that aligns with your life. I picked B2B SaaS because it’s: • High-margin, low-cost, scalable. • Free from the relentless pace of retail or DTC. • Purely remote—no office, no commute. == 4. Go all-in on remote work. Tools like @loom, @NotionHQ, and @asana allow us to: • Document processes async. • Communicate clearly & concisely. • Build process & systems that run without me. The goal? A business that doesn’t depend on me 24/7. == 5. Optimize for longevity, not burnout. During my first company, there were no days off. Now, it’s about properly integrating family & work. Take the long family trip - empower your team but stay on top things. Burnout isn’t proof of dedication. It’s a leadership failure. == 6. Give yourself permission to build differently. The old me would’ve called these boundaries lazy. But here’s the truth: boundaries make you better. The goal isn’t to grind endlessly. It’s to create a company that works for you—not the other way around. == Building a startup doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health, family, or happiness. Follow Josh Payne for lessons on scaling profitably, creating balance, and building a business you love.

It feels good to be seen as the go-to person. But then the “yes” starts to haunt you when you realize you’ve got no idea where this extra work fits. Cue the late nights, the stress, and the resentment creeping in. We’ve all been there — wanting to be helpful, likable, or just a team player, even if it costs us. And while it’s totally understandable, it doesn’t make it any less overwhelming when you’re staring at a to-do list that feels impossible. Here’s the shift: Saying ”no“ isn’t about letting people down. It’s about setting boundaries that protect your energy, your time, and your ability to deliver your best work. And when you do take something on? It’s got to be with intention, not obligation. Here’s how to get there: 1️⃣ Pause Before You Say Yes: Instead of committing on the spot, practice saying, “Let me check my workload and get back to you.” This gives you breathing room to decide intentionally. 2️⃣ Get Real About Your Capacity: Take a hard look at your current commitments. What’s urgent, and what’s important? Where does this new request fit? 3️⃣ Set Boundaries Clearly: If it doesn’t fit, be honest: “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now. Here’s an alternative suggestion…” If it does fit, define what you can realistically deliver and by when. When you stop defaulting to “yes,” you create more space for what truly matters. When you honor your limits, you show up better for yourself, your work, and yes, even your colleagues. The result? Less stress, fewer late nights, and more respect from colleagues who see you as someone with clear priorities and boundaries. Have you ever felt stuck in a “yes” you didn’t have room for? What’s one boundary you’re working on setting? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

WednesdayQ&A “I often give others a lot more than I give to myself. I always try to help, and requests never finish. Everyone asks me for something, and I try to help, but I feel exhausted and overwhelmed because I don't have enough time for my own stuff. How can I stop accommodating the requests without hurting relationships?” It sounds like you haven’t established clear boundaries, and it’s something many people struggle with. Setting boundaries is essential to protecting your time and energy, both in your personal and professional life. Start by asking yourself: Where do I want my boundaries to be? Why do I find it hard to say no? Is it because I fear disappointing others or because I feel validated by being needed? Understanding your patterns is the first step. Next, communicate your boundaries—because people won’t know them unless you share them. A great way to start a conversation without confrontation is using a method I’ve learned from Rob Dial. Ask permission: “Can I talk to you about something?”Most likely, people will respond positively. Then, calmly say, “I’m going to be honest.” This creates a respectful space to share your needs, like: “I’ve realized I’ve been overextending myself and need to focus more on my priorities. I’ll still help when I can, but I might not always be available immediately. I hope you understand.” Boundaries are not one-time declarations—you may need to remind people from time to time gently. That’s okay! Teaching others how to treat you takes consistency. To live a fulfilling life, you need to protect your energy and make time for what truly matters to you. Remember, saying no to someone else is often saying yes to yourself. #boundaries #sayingno #loveyourlife

The most common question I get about  boundaries in the workplace: “𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀?”  Before you can create boundaries,  ↳you need to know what they are.  𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. A boundary is a clear line  ↳that defines what’s okay and what isn’t.  It helps protect the following: 📌time 📌energy 📌well-being.  Without boundaries, it’s easy to feel  overworked, overwhelmed, and undervalued.  𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?  They allow you to be:   ⇢ Productive   ⇢ Focused   ⇢ Respected   ⇢ Emotionally balanced   ⇢ Energized   ⇢ Healthy  𝘚𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴?  1️⃣ Identify your limits  - Know what drains your energy and what restores it.  2️⃣ Communicate your boundaries clearly  - Example: “I’m unavailable for calls after 6 PM.”  3️⃣ Set realistic expectations with others   - Let colleagues know when and how you can be reached.  4️⃣ Practice saying ‘no’ with kindness   - Saying no to one thing is saying yes to yourself.  5️⃣ Hold yourself accountable - Stick to your boundaries, even when it’s uncomfortable.     (And respect others' boundaries!) 6️⃣ Give self space to grow - Boundaries evolve—check in and make changes as necessary.  𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸?  Boundaries require us to reflect deeply on what we need to protect.  👀 Notice where you feel resentful or drained.   ❓ Ask yourself what you need to change.   🫶 Honor your needs without guilt.   😫 Embrace the discomfort of setting limits.   💗 Celebrate when you follow through on boundaries.   💪 Take responsibility for communicating them effectively.  Boundaries aren't barriers—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀  to better relationships and well-being.  The more you respect your own boundaries, the more others will, too.  What’s one boundary you could set today that your future self will thank you for? ----- I’m Julia LeFevre. I help leaders turn divided teams into dream teams using NeuroChange. Click my name + follow  ♻️ Repost this → spread value 🙌✨

As I sit here reflecting on my career journey, I'm reminded of a pivotal moment that forever changed the way I approached work-life balance. I glanced at the clock—4:30 pm. My colleagues were still immersed in their tasks, but I was already packing up. Why? Because I was determined to beat the traffic and be home in time for dinner with my family. 👨👩👧👦 Weekends? Those were sacred—reserved for family and recharging my spirit. 🌳 You might wonder, wasn't I worried this would impact my career or tarnish my reputation? The truth is, I wasn't. I knew I delivered results on time as required. 💼 My day started at the break of dawn, up at 5 am, and in the office by 6. By 9 am, crucial decisions were made, and my desk was clear of pending tasks. 🌅🕕 Breaks? Hardly. Working lunches became the norm. Each evening at home, I’d spend a focused 30 minutes preparing for the next day, ensuring I was in bed by 10 pm, ready to tackle the morning with a sharp mind and a rested body. 💤📋 You can have it all if you excel at what you do, set firm boundaries, and communicate what you will and won't do. 🗣️ I never shirked responsibilities, refused work, or let my team down. I simply found a way to get things done that honored both my career and personal life. 🏆 I don't just get work done. I get work done my way. 💯 How You Too Can Achieve Life-Work Balance: ➡️ Set clear boundaries: Define your working hours and stick to them. ➡️ Communicate these boundaries with your team and family. ➡️ Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks first thing in the morning when your energy levels are highest. ➡️ Plan your day: Spend a few minutes each evening planning for the next day. It helps you stay organized and reduces stress. Actions you can take today: ➜ Identify your top 3 priorities for tomorrow: Write them down and tackle them first thing in the morning. ➜ Schedule a family activity: Make time for your loved ones this weekend and fully disconnect from work. ➜ Take a break: Use your vacation days. Rest and recharge to come back even more productive. If we haven't met: I'm Rudy Malle a clinical researcher, avid entrepreneur, podcaster, storyteller, and career adviser. Let's #connect! #CareerBalance #WorkLifeIntegration #ProductivityHacks #FamilyFirst #ProfessionalGrowth #ClinicalResearch #tgif #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #CareerAdvice #ConnectWithMe #MyWay

🧠 The “infinite workday” isn’t just a headline—it’s how many of us live now. Microsoft latest work index report shows what most of us already feel: work starts before breakfast, bleeds into dinner, and never really ends. https://lnkd.in/gsKM6ERT 😉Thanks to AI, it’s not slowing down—it’s speeding up. But let’s be honest: this didn’t start with AI. It started during COVID. We learned to be always on—back-to-back teams/zoom calls, late-night Slacks, lunch at our desks (if at all). And now, even with offices reopening and many companies forcing RTO and AI promising “efficiency,” the pressure hasn’t lifted. In some ways, it’s worse. And here’s the twist: it’s not just tech, it’s every industry, we all will be becoming managers of AI agents soon and if we don’t focus on the boundaries, we will be burnt out pretty soon. 🔸 Being online = being visible 🔸 Responding quickly = being valuable 🔸 Saying “I need a break” = feeling like you’re falling behind So how do we, as learners, leaders, and teammates, set boundaries without guilt? Some things I’ve found helpful: ⏱️Time-blocking “deep work” and sticking to it like a meeting for focus time. Thanks to focus time capabilities of calendar. 🙏🏼Not apologizing for being offline—modeling it instead 👏🏽Asking LT or team member : “Is this urgent, or can this wait until tomorrow?” ➡️Reframing boundaries as a form of professional strength, not weakness 📆 schedule my emails and chats during majority work time zone. (Making exceptions for escalations but not a norm) and 🔁 I’m not perfect and still learning. And I’d love to hear from others: ⁉️How do you protect your time without losing trust or momentum at work? Let’s normalize the conversation—not the chaos. https://lnkd.in/gGM5D7_M