In my last blog, we explored setting boundaries in our personal lives. I wanted to build on that and look at how this shows up at work, especially when you’re dealing with competing priorities and limited bandwidth for you and your team.  

Why Workplace Boundaries Are More Complex

Let’s face it, simply saying “no” to a request made by your manager or a key stakeholder—regardless of how unreasonable it may seem— is often not a feasible option.  In the workplace you are navigating several real-world constraints: power imbalances, organizational norms, and the realities of career advancement and job security.  

At the same time, saying “yes” to every request is not a sustainable solution.  Without clear boundaries, we risk becoming less effective by spreading our attention too thin. This not only increases the likelihood of burnout; it also negatively impacts how others perceive our judgment and ability to lead.  

How to Think About Boundaries

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to workplace boundaries. Each situation requires a clear understanding of the dynamics at play.  

Before responding, it can be helpful to take an intentional pause and clarify a few key things:

Define the scope
Requests are often broad and not clearly defined. First, clarify the specific work entailed, the expectations, and the timing. By breaking down the specifics, you can better assess what is realistically feasible.  

Verify ownership
Determine who actually owns the workstream and whether it falls under your core responsibilities. High-capacity leaders often take on work that belongs elsewhere, a pattern I see frequently in my coaching work. In many cases, the most effective boundary is simply clarifying ownership and redirecting the request to the appropriate person.

Fit with priorities
How does this request fit within your current list of commitments? If it truly is a priority, then determine what will need to change. Be clear about the trade-offs that will need to be made. 

Reframing the Conversation
The goal is to reframe the conversation from “Can I do this?” to “What needs to shift for this to happen?” It’s not about rejecting the request, but creating clarity around the trade-offs so better decisions can be made.  

If appropriate, ask some version of the question:   

“I can take this on, though it will likely push back Project X. How would you like me to prioritize?”

Setting boundaries with those above you is one of the most difficult and vital leadership skills.  As you sharpen your ability to set boundaries, you move beyond being just the ‘doer’. You become a leader who helps set priorities and make better decisions about where to focus your time and energy.