As a manager you are likely to find that the more engaged and personable you are with your employees, the easier your job will be. Staff may be more inclined to go that “extra mile” when needed, stay behind to get that important job finished, share their concerns and bring issues to your attention.
Having a good working relationship with your staff is key to both your own success and that of the business, but being seen as approachable and friendly is something completely different to being a friend. In order to be an effective manager, it is important to set clear boundaries between yourself and your staff.
Setting standards
Boundaries set the parameters of what is and what is not acceptable behaviour and help protect and inform employees and will help to protect you too. As a manager staff will look to you for guidance when it comes to setting standards for both performance and behaviour whilst at work. Maintaining high standards amongst your staff would be difficult to achieve if your own behaviour was inappropriate.
Making your boundaries and expectations clear at the outset of your relationship with your staff and letting them know what you expect from them and what they can expect from you, will avoid any confusion and misunderstandings later down the line. One of the biggest mistakes made after setting boundaries is not following it through; it can prove difficult but, consistency is key!
Types of boundaries
Professional
Professional boundaries relate to an individual’s role and responsibilities, the content of their job description. It’s about having a clear understanding of what needs to be done, how and when it should be done and of accountabilities in achieving this. Individuals and groups are more likely to feel safe in their roles and function effectively when boundaries and priorities are clearly defined, even in the absence of a manager. Knowing who is responsible for what enables both good and inadequate work performances to be clearly identified, it also promotes a healthier environment and a more efficient workplace.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal boundaries are about the attitude, tone and approach we use with each other. They impact on the quality of the social environment and productivity of an organisation; they enable staff to work alongside each other effectively and are therefore necessary to the smooth running and success of any organisation. Where boundaries are weak, unclear or absent, individuals are at risk of being taken advantage of, attracting needy or disrespectful people or could become victims of bullying.
Personal
As a manager you may be responsible for making decisions, productivity, meeting targets and many other things during the course of a normal working day. It can be a lot to juggle and not surprisingly at times it may get quite stressful.
Schedule regular lunch breaks, away from your desk, try making work talk off limits. Try and balance your day by allowing yourself periods of uninterrupted time to focus on tasks that require your immediate attention, mixing this with social time to interact and connect with colleagues and staff. Keep work and home as two separate places, switching off laptops and mobiles when you are not at work whenever possible. Setting personal boundaries will not only support your general health and wellbeing it will also help to make you a more effective and responsible manager.
Maintaining boundaries
Boundaries should be seen as guidelines, rather than being rigid rules and should therefore offer a degree of flexibility. Most importantly once boundaries are made, it is important to make others aware of our needs and expectations and to be consistent so as not to give out mixed messages.
Further support
CIPD – Getting the balance right: managing home and work boundaries.
Ref: WPW0147 this information was reviewed May 2024.
