ALE Logo

A Necessary Leadership Skill

Written by Dorothy Lazovik

I don’t know about you but there have been occasions in my life where I have done everything possible to please someone. The result typically is “that person” is still not satisfied and I feel underappreciated, maybe even a bit resentful.

This has to stop! It is not a good way to manage your time or your brand. When you know better you have to do better.

Here’s the deal: when you travel, whether, by plane or train, they operate on a schedule and by a set of rules! This actually helps to set you up for success. It can be frustrating when you are running late but can you imagine what it would be like if they didn’t have a schedule or rules?

There are things in life that are non-negotiable. Having healthy boundaries needs to be one of them.

Healthy boundaries demonstrate self-respect and set expectations for others. Know what they are for you first. Let others know what they are, repeat them as often as necessary and be consistent.

It could look like this: If someone from your team comes into your office as you are headed out to a meeting, you don’t have to address his or her needs at that moment. You let him/her know you are headed to a meeting, and that it is important for you to be on time and you would be happy to connect with them when you are out of your meeting.

Sometimes there can be pushback sounding like, “it will only take a few minutes or I’ll make it quick.” Here is where it is important to restate your need to get to your meeting on time along with your willingness to connect after.

As an alternative, you can also offer to have him/her walk with you to the meeting if it is something that is quick and doesn’t require your undivided attention.

When you do this you are honouring your boundaries, respecting yourself and your employee while staying true to your brand.

Consistency is key!

As you go through your day where are you adjusting yourself to accommodate others? Where do you need to set healthy boundaries? Are there things you should be saying no to?

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Are you interested in having a conversation to explore how you can define your personal brand and accelerate your growth as a leader, individually or as a team? Send an e-mail to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

Dorothy Lazovik

Dorothy is on a mission to shift the culture of organizations to people first! Supporting leaders in fulfilling their TO BE LIST to better deliver on their TO DO LIST. Doing the work impacts how leaders see themselves, the people they lead, the environment they create and the outcomes they achieve. Producing higher engagement, ownership and productivity. How would making a change like this elevate your business results?

Authentic Leaders Edge

Next Step

Ready to implement a model that elevates your leaders and has them taking ownership of who they are and the results they achieve? Interested in creating the environment that puts people first to increase engagement, build trust and improve how business gets done?

Let’s start a conversation. It will give you the opportunity to get your questions answered and understand if it is a good fit for you, your leaders or organization.