11 Setting Boundaries at Work & Handling Difficult Conversations

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of setting boundaries at work?

• • Increased productivity

• • Reduced risk of burnout

• • Improved work-life balance

• • Guaranteed promotion

1. What type of boundary is exemplified by choosing to shake someone's hand instead of hugging them?

• Physical

• • Emotional

• • Mental

1. According to Mel Robbins, what should you do at the start of a difficult conversation?

• • Threaten to involve HR

• • Immediately state the consequences

• • Acknowledge your own role in the situation

• • Present a detailed list of the other person's wrongdoings

When delegating tasks, it's important to consider the __________ of both yourself and your supervisor.

1. Setting boundaries at home can involve leaving work-related _____ at the office.

1. One method to slow down a conversation and manage emotions, is to leave a _______.

Place the following steps for having a difficult conversation, in the correct order: ​ ​ ​ (a)   ​ (b)   ​ (c)   ​ ​ (d)  

• Explain how their actions made you feel
• Address the specific actions caused those feelings
• Clearly outline the consequences
• Have the conversation promptly

1. Categorise the following actions into advice for Setting Boundaries at Work and Tips for Handling Difficult Conversations:

Groups:

(a) Setting Boundaries at Work:

,

(b) Tips for Handling Difficult Conversation

• Use a calm, steady tone of voice and maintain professional demeanour.

• Taking time off to recharge and develop your personal life.

• Understanding your workload and the number of tasks you can reasonably handle.

• Actively listen to the other person and try to understand their perspective.

• Establishing a clear work schedule and communicating it to colleagues.

• Start the conversation by acknowledging your own responsibility in the situation.

True or False: Stating your boundaries to others is always necessary for them to be effective.

• False

• True

Answer explanation

While it can be helpful, boundaries are primarily about your behaviour and commitment to upholding them.

Setting boundaries is a quick and easy solution for dealing with toxic workplaces.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Boundaries are not a cure-all for problematic work environments but can be helpful in separating work life from personal life and setting priorities.