Setting firm boundaries: 4 things you should not tolerate at work

Boundaries serve many functions. They help to protect us, to clarify what is our responsibility and what is another’s, to preserve our physical and emotional energy, to stay focused on ourselves, to live our values and standards, and to identify our personal limits. The key to staying sane while succeeding at work is to set firm, self-respecting boundaries that help you make smart decisions about how you spend your time and energy. Here are four things you should not tolerate;

Disrespectful language or behavior

If someone is putting you down and treating you in a disrespectful way, it’s time to set a clear boundary with that person. Simply say, “That is not OK. I don’t spend time with people who treat me this way.” If the person continues the behavior, you need to commit to the limit you have set by ending that relationship.

Integrity breaches

Being able to trust people is incredibly important.  If someone makes a commitment and then breaks it, have a conversation about what happened. If the other person is not willing to take responsibility, it’s time to set an even clearer boundary. You should not be working with or be in a relationship with someone who continually breaches your trust.

Physical, mental or emotional abuse

If anyone is physically, mentally or emotionally abusive, it’s important to create a very firm boundary and distance yourself from them. This is not healthy behavior, and it is  not something you should put up with.

Cruelty masked as humour

Many people mask cruel or inappropriate behavior with humor by saying, “Oh, I was just joking.” It is not funny, it is hurtful. Do not let others cover up their rudeness. Say it to them as you felt it so it does not repeat itself again.