Workplace Boundaries

Workplace Boundaries

Workplace Boundaries

Danielle J. Powers, Director of Admissions and Registration Services

A Lack of Boundaries....Ever had someone stand so close when they talked to you that you could actually smell the fragrance of their shampoo or the gum they were chewing?

Or, has anybody ever struck up a conversation in a public restroom, while you were still busy in the cubicle?

Every time someone tries to break into that little bubble we carry around us our personal space- an alarm should go off inside our head.

Crossing or entering someone elses personal space creates discomfort because he/she feels the physical intimacy exceeds the relational intimacy.

What Are Boundaries? The definition of a boundary is the ability to know where you end and where another person begins. When we talk about needing space, setting limits or determining acceptable behavior, we are really talking about boundaries.

Boundaries can be a difficult concept to grasp because they arent something that we can see and sometimes they are questionable. But just because we cant see them, it doesnt mean that they arent there or that they arent important.

Boundaries can pertain to physical or verbal proximity.

Pets generally have no concept of boundaries, which typically makes them cuter......or not.

Why Are Boundaries Important?Boundaries are important because they define the limits and responsibilities of the people with whom you interact.

Setting proper boundaries can result in a sense of accountability for all staff members. Boundaries are important to maintaining good productivity and social dynamics within the work environment.

Boundaries expected betweenCoworkers

Students and Staff

Supervisors and Students

Coworkers and Supervisors

Culture and Boundaries

Cultural BaggageOur values, assumptions, biases, and communication styles are some of the things that turn up in our cultural baggage.

Neatly folded into one corner of the bag might be your views of time.

In the other corner, your expectations about gender roles.

Check that zippered side pouch and you may find your sense of personal space and comfort level with confrontation.

And then there are the countless gestures and mannerisms that inevitably tumble out of your overstuffed bag when you least expect it.

Self Awareness & CultureA lack of awareness of your own cultural traits can make you feel vulnerable, frustrated and fearful. Interactions with people from other cultures might leave you thinking; Thats so backward, Theyre so lazy!, How uptight!

Although some of these reactionsor judgmentsare based on individual personality, many of them are based on a set of expectations and perceptions instilled in us by our respective cultures. Becoming aware of the nuances that comprise our own cultures is extremely important.

Questions to ask yourselfHow comfortable are you when a friend touches your shoulder or pats your arm while talking with you? A colleague? An acquaintance? When does it become too much?

Do you usually get directly to the point? Beat around the bush? Somewhere in between? Why?

When showing someone where something is, do you point? Gesture with one finger? The whole hand? How do you beckon someone? Fingers inward? Outward? What gestures are taboo?

Boundary ViolationsThere are several types of boundary violations....

Boundary ViolationsPHYSICAL. MENTAL.EMOTIONAL.. VERBAL.Standing in his/her space. Touching, getting into his/her belongings and living space (purse, wallet, mail, closet, etc.). Listening to his/her personal conversation. Not allowing a person to have privacy or violating a person's right to privacy.

Indicating by word or deed that another person is worth less Yelling or screaming, ridiculing or making fun of another Lying Attempting to control or manipulate another Being sarcastic Interrupting

Boundary Guidelines

ExamplesPlease DontPlease doDiscuss personal details about your life, gossip about others, or talk about the latest headline regarding your favorite celebrity in front of students.Imagine that all students/customers in front of you are kindergarten aged (when it comes to conversation content) and keep any conversations that can be overheard appropriate for that age group.

ExamplesPlease doPlease dontSay excuse me and wait to be acknowledged before interrupting

Keep personal conversations, music, etc. personal and within your personal space

Kindly and nicely make others aware of when they have violated a verbal boundaryBarge into a conversation

Talk loudly enough that others can overhear, or listen to music at a level that can be distracting to others

Talk about things behind others backs, or so they can overhear

The joy of an open workspace

ExamplesPLEASE DOPLEASE DONTMake positive comments about others appearance I like your topYour hair looks niceThose are cool shoesKeep conversations between friends outside of the working spaceBe specific in comments that could be misinterpreted by the person you are speaking to or others in the area Be overly familiar or push boundaries even if you are friends with a coworker, or student

ExamplesPLEASE DOPLEASE DONTRespect personal spaceEnter someones workspace without their acknowledgementBorrow items and forget to return themAssume that others want to be the recipient of your physical interactions

ExamplesPLEASE DOPLEASE DONTLimit conversations between coworkers in common spaces to a few minutes at most

Go to someone to ask them a question at their desk, or call them on the phone

Keep personal interactions to a minimumDistract others by having prolonged conversations in common work areas

Yell, or talk over or around cubicle walls and other dividers

Have prolonged or frequent personal interactions during work hours

Setting Boundaries at Work Respectfully and tactfully tell people the affect their behavior has on you. Once a boundary has been set, let others know when they have violated it. For instance, if a co-worker says, Ill call you later tonight to discuss this project, you can simply say, Please dont call me after 6pm.

When boundaries have been violated, address the issues as soon as possible in a clear, controlled and positive manner. Be available to discuss differences of views so that compromise can be achieved. If none of these work Involve your Supervisor when boundary violations occur.

References http://www.art.com/products/p15063225462-sa-i6844424/mick-stevens-doctors-without-boundaries-new-yorker-cartoon.htm

http://www.brainyquote.com/

http://www.culturecrossing.net/explore.php

http://dilbert.com/strips/

http://EzineArticles.com/699546

http://www.internationalstudents.org/culture-etiquette-space.php?idlv2=62&idlv3=142

http://www.pennbehavioralhealth.org/documents/settingboun dariesatwork.pdf

http://ucsfhr.ucsf.edu/index.php/assist/article/setting-healthy-workplace-boundaries/