The lack of strong boundaries is one of the chief causes of stress, overwork and overwhelm in the business environment.
What are Boundaries?
Clearly set boundaries help other people to understand how you want to be treated. They are the rules, if you like, that apply when others deal with you and your business. Many of us aren't good at establishing boundaries, something that probably stems from way back in our childhoods.
As children we are often taught that other people's needs are more important than ours. That we should obey others without question. And we were rewarded for pleasing other people and sacrificing our own needs. Sometimes we do not set boundaries because we dislike confrontation or anger, or because we think we will hurt other peoples feelings.
If this behaviour of putting ourselves last carries over into our adult lives, it's likely to stop us from telling other people what we want.
The good news is that setting boundaries is a learnable skill, and one that can make a huge positive difference to the quality of your life.
The first step is to identify which boundaries you need to set. These seven are suggested for easing the pressure on you in your business life:
1. Learn to say no
Don't feel uncomfortable about saying no to an unreasonable request. If it is going to have a negative impact on you, or you don't really want to do something, then just say no. And don't feel as thought you need to explain why. After all, we don't offer an explanation when we say yes.
2. Be clear about what you do and what you don't do
If something is outside the bounds of your normal scope of work, then simply say so. It is easy to get caught up agreeing to do unusual things or one-offs that take up a lot of extra time. Your time is valuable and you want to spend it accordingly.
3. When it's OK for people to contact you
If you get customers and suppliers calling you at all hours then you need to establish this boundary. You can take control in this situation by looking for a win-win outcome. For example:
I know that you would like to speak with me. Right now, I am spending time with my family. What time tomorrow can I call you back?
I guarantee that you'll only need to say this once, and people will get the message very quickly.
4. Payment terms
If people aren't respecting your payment terms you need to let them know that this is unacceptable. Be clear upfront about what your terms are (yes ? actually advise new customers verbally), and consider using payment options that give you control. For example, the timing of credit card deductions and direct debits are controlled by you, rather than by the customer.
5. Working hours (Value your own time)
You are in control of your diary, not your customers. If you find yourself consistently working excessive hours, or longer than you want, then you are taking on more work than you can manage. Be honest about how long it will take you to complete the job. For example:
I can start working on this on Wednesday, which means it will be ready for you on Friday afternoon.
6. The way in which people can speak to you
Some people use aggressive or abusive language to get what they want. You need to let them know that this isn't OK. For example:
I can see that you are upset. We do need to discuss this but I am not prepared to do so while you are angry. Let me call you tomorrow at a better time.
7. Pricing
There are times when we are happy to provide a discount ?to valued and regular customers. At other times we can just get talked into it before we realize what has happened. Be very clear in your own mind about the circumstances in which you are prepared to drop your prices, and those in which you are not. And just stick to your guns. You'll find that most people are just trying it on to see if it will work.
Setting Boundaries is Your Choice
The bottom line in setting boundaries is asking for what we really want. There is no need to defend, debate or over-explain your boundaries. If questioned, simply say something like "it's a business decision". When faced with resistance, repeat your statement or request. Stay strong. If you give in, you are inviting people to ignore your needs.
Each of us has a right to set boundaries. . While others may not always get what they want in the short term, you will garner more respect from them and for yourself by standing up for your needs.
Megan Tough - published writer, coach, facilitator and speaker - works with people to create outstandingly satisfying and truly successful professional lives. Make more money - have more fun! To learn more and to sign up for more FREE tips and articles like these, visit http://www.megantough.com
cleaning help near Mundelein ..As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
Imagine if you were going to address a stadium full... Read More
Buckling under the weight of chronic corporate restructuring, and frustrated... Read More
How do you increase business profits? Answer the following questions... Read More
Skilled workers of every age have prized their tools. I... Read More
We all know that running a home business is highly... Read More
In Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen's original "Chicken Soup... Read More
There are many places you can get books, and I... Read More
Almost daily, newspapers, business magazines, radio and television carry reports... Read More
"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out... Read More
1. You have a big goal and you want someone... Read More
The Internet is a fast growing medium, trancending the personal... Read More
Creating a website is one thing, making it better is... Read More
If you've been thinking of starting a business on the... Read More
Do you find great joy in being a coach? If... Read More
One way to manage your time more effectively is to... Read More
How's your business going to keep growing with the holidays... Read More
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More
1. Great Things Take Time ? Three years passed between... Read More
Does your business have a money tree you can shake... Read More
1. Outsource what takes you too long to doWhen you... Read More
Are you ready for a BASH? Have you ever been... Read More
Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More
Many people find it really hard to write for business... Read More
If you are like me, you are living some distance... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..Whether you are self employed or you work for someone... Read More
Let's put to rest the fallacy that success, in sales... Read More
Do you know exactly what actions you need to do... Read More
At Macquarie University in the early '90s, three Australian early... Read More
What follows is a bold statement, but sometimes it takes... Read More
Imagine if you were going to address a stadium full... Read More
How do you increase business profits? Answer the following questions... Read More
There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More
If you are like me, you are living some distance... Read More
Being appropriately dressed is essential in making good impressions in... Read More
Positioning Your Company for Debt Financing:There was a time in... Read More
1. Examine everything in your office from the view of... Read More
Clarity is an absolutely essential ingredient for you to achieve... Read More
If you've been thinking of starting a business on the... Read More
Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More
"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out... Read More
Many mistakes can be made in business and if you... Read More
Have you ever found yourself having to scramble to organize... Read More
As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
Sometime soon you will be attending some training. It may... Read More
How much is your data worth to you? In this... Read More
Are the endless lists of Top-7's and Top-10's taxing your... Read More
Web Site Blues? Need one, don't know where to start?... Read More
While some new business owners face the issue of not... Read More
Many new coaches struggle to attract their first client. Often,... Read More
Top Quick Tips |