Management Behaviours: Setting Boundaries at Work

Let’s be honest: how many unexpected messages, calendar invites, or after-hours emails have hit your screen this week? And how many could have been solved in a well-structured 10-minute chat?

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If the answer is “too many,” you're not alone.

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In today’s hyper-connected world, setting boundaries at work isn’t just a productivity tip - it’s a survival skill. According to the Harvard Business Review, 63% of managers struggle with this essential skill. The price? Poor focus, burnout, low morale, and teams that mirror unhealthy habits.

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We explored the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership in a previous blog. Emotional self-awareness and boundary setting go hand-in-hand, making it essential reading for any leader.

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Today, we’re diving into how to set boundaries in the workplace, how it connects to leadership and management behaviours, and how to protect your energy without appearing uncommitted.

What Are Professional Boundaries and Why Do They Collapse?

Boundaries at the workplace help people collaborate effectively. They define:

• Time: “No meetings before 10am”
• Focus: “No interruptions during deep work”
• Communication: “Slack for urgent queries only”

Yet boundaries collapse due to three common myths:

1. “Boundaries make me look unhelpful.”
   ➤ False. Boundaries prevent resentment.
2. “I’ll seem inflexible.”
   ➤ False. Clear boundaries reduce friction.
3. “I’ll look less committed.”
   ➤ Structured leaders are viewed as more competent (Harvard Business Review).

The Link Between Management Behaviours and Boundaries

Management behaviours shape your team’s experience. Boundary-setting is integral. Skipping breaks, overbooking calendars, or emailing late at night sets unhealthy precedents. Clear boundaries create clarity, trust, and sustainable performance.

How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt

1. Model What You Want to See

Your team copies your actions, not your words.

• Block “focus time” and respect it.
• Delay sending after-hours emails.
• Take genuine breaks - and encourage your team too.

Google’s re:Work guide highlights the importance of structured time management and psychological safety in driving team effectiveness.

2. Communicate Boundaries Clearly

Clear, human communication ensures boundaries stick. Explain your reasoning with real-life context, such as:

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“I log off at 6 pm because that’s when I switch off to recharge. Let’s plan ahead so we can all respect our personal time and come back refreshed tomorrow.”

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Establish shared norms by setting clear examples:

• No direct messaging team members before 8 am or after 6 pm unless it’s an emergency.
• Schedule shorter, more effective meetings.
• Use Slack for quick, immediate needs and email for tasks requiring more detailed responses or longer deadlines.

3. Empower Your Team

Healthy workplace boundaries require collaboration. Encourage open conversations by asking team members:

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“What boundary would help you feel more focused and less overwhelmed at work?”

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Respect “Do Not Disturb” statuses and encourage team members to proactively block calendar time for deep, uninterrupted work.

The Impact of Boundary-Setting

When Boundaries Are Missing:

• Teams with overwhelmed managers are 42% more likely to leave (Gallup).
• Decision fatigue significantly increases errors (Decision Fatigue Analysis).

When Boundaries Are Respected:

• Teams report 37% higher job satisfaction (MIT Sloan).
• Productivity increases by 20% (PwC).

How Boundaries Fit into Management Development

Setting clear boundaries is common sense - but often not common practice. Our management development and leadership development training programmes include:

• Setting clear expectations
• Creating sustainable team norms
• Protecting energy and productivity
• Clear, compassionate communication

Boundaries Aren’t Barriers - They’re Guardrails

As highlighted in Cate’s recent newsletter on boundaries, setting boundaries as a manager helps your team say “yes” to what truly matters - time, energy, culture, and creativity.

Ready to Lead with Clarity and Confidence?

At PUSH, we understand that setting boundaries isn't merely saying "no" - it's creating space to focus on meaningful work.

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Our management training and leadership development training programmes include dedicated sessions on boundaries, providing managers with tools to model effective behaviours and nurture healthier team dynamics.

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We also offer bespoke training sessions for teams facing challenges with boundaries, clarity, and burnout, introducing frameworks like CLEAR and practical role-play scenarios to help teams transition from overcommitted to empowered.

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So, explore our training programmes – because great leadership and sustainable team success start with healthy boundaries. Or book a discovery call with Cate if you'd like to discuss how we can specifically support you and your teams in this crucial area.