Workplace boundaries are becoming an increasingly common topic among thought leaders and industry experts worldwide.
Establishing systems and a set of expectations around how much work you complete, on what timeline and in what capacity can heavily impact productivity and wellbeing.
“You need to go all-in” is a phrase all entrepreneurs are familiar with and is in stark contrast to the new wave of workplace boundaries ideologies that emphasize protecting your time and energy.
Is learning to say “Yes” cool again?
Many people envision the entrepreneurial path as almost entirely sacrificing personal and social life activities for the sake of the grind and the eventual pay out that is anticipated at the end.
For others, it’s dedicating their whole heart to their mission while maintaining work-life balance. For some, becoming a successful business owner includes a blend of both.
Aggressive entrepreneurship styles promote the notion that you can always do more — network more, meet with clients more, attend more events and say yes to more opportunities.
Some personality types thrive on this. The buzz of notifications, daily business lunches followed by dinners and lengthy to-do lists are exhilarating.
However, in many cases, being “on” all the time is a one-way ticket to burnout. Open-ended availability can lead to great growth or stunt progress. Consider the following:
Pros of less workplace boundaries:
In a world of instant gratification, clients value immediate attention, which earns trust.
Exposure to multitudes of perspectives can inspire original, innovative ideas.
Problems can be addressed and corrected more readily, preventing client dissatisfaction.
Attending more seminars and conferences can increase your scope of knowledge and expertise.
Such strong participation in your business attaches great personal importance to it, anchoring yourself and your team to a powerful source of core motivation.
Cons of being too available:
Excessive commitments can trigger debilitating exhaustion, preventing you from engaging in your business meaningfully.
Burn-out can cause extreme irritability and anxiety that can harm relationships.
Brain fog zaps concentration and productivity, stalling your efforts.
Information overload can distract from your core values and distort decision-making.
You miss out on other areas of life and valuable relationships, which can very feel alienating.
So, is open-ended availability a tool of progression or regression? And in what context?
For more articles on workplace boundaries and professional development, click here.