We talk a lot about communication and boundaries for our personal lives, and a lot of those same principles can be applied to our professional relationships, too. Self-advocacy is universal, but it's also so personal, y'all. Join us as we unpack that.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
Self-advocacy and setting boundaries in professional relationships [1:20]
- Some leaders, especially people of color, seem unaware that they can advocate for themselves
- Scott’s story of how he realized that he has the right to advocate for himself
- Being a team player DOES NOT mean you can’t say no
- Most organizations prioritize their interest over your well-being, so make sure to look out for yourself
- Setting boundaries around your time to prioritize self-care and avoid burnout and overcommitting
Ways to set boundaries at work [17:37]
- Clearly communicating your availability to protect and honor your time (e.g. putting a sign on your office door)
- Remembering that people can overstep your boundaries only if you let it
- Putting guardrails around how you spend your time (i.e.putting Slack notes to notify people of what you’re currently doing)
- Setting goals with your team as a way to also respect their time
The haze of setting boundaries at work [21:15]
- Some people struggle with understanding boundaries
- Having conversations about setting boundaries could be difficult
- Asserting boundaries can sometimes make you feel like you’re being mean
- Setting boundaries with a peer could be manageable, but doing so with your superior can be hard
- Having a “ruinous empathy” rather than offering to meet halfway
- The fear of being replaced to prove your enoughness
Navigating the haze [43:44]
- Getting the support that you need
- Asserting your boundaries in a respectful way
Biggest lessons [45:06]
- You can’t advocate for others if you can’t advocate for yourself
- People will do what you allow them to do—it’s a disservice to both you and other person
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
Listen to Pardon by T.I. and Lil Baby
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
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