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“I said yes even when I wanted to say no. I skipped meals, worked through exhaustion and smiled while doing it.”
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever said yes when you meant no…you’re not alone.
One of the most overlooked leadership skills…are boundaries.
For women in leadership, boundaries can feel like a double-edged sword. Set them, and you risk being seen as inflexible. Don’t set them, and suddenly your calendar, your energy and your well-being belong to everyone but you.
This version of leadership is not sustainable. It’s not healthy. And it’s not real power.
But here’s the truth:
Boundaries aren’t about saying no to others. They’re about saying yes to your priorities.
The most effective leaders I coach aren’t the ones doing the most. They’re the ones doing the right things, with intention, focus and self-respect.
Real leadership includes:
- Saying no without guilt
- Prioritizing your time and well-being
- Creating boundaries that protect what matters most
It doesn’t mean being less committed. It means being more intentional.
Classy Boundaries Are A Power Move
I recently came across an article in G.E. Editing that offers a brilliant reframing on how to assert boundaries without offending anyone. It wasn’t just about language, it was about Posture. Presence. Permission. It’s a powerful reminder that boundaries aren’t about pushing people away…they’re about protecting what matters most.
Because the right boundary, delivered with grace, does more than protect your time. It signals what you value. It teaches people how to treat you. It creates space for what actually matters. It is what helps you stay out of the weeds and lead from your zone of genius…something that I have struggled with and that took over a decade to finally do something about it.
Here Are A Few To Try On:
- “I appreciate the ask, and I want to give it attention it deserves. Let’s revisit this when I can be fully present.”
- “That’s not something I can commit to right now, but I’m honored you thought of me.”
- “In order to give my best to what’s on my plate, I’ll need to decline this one.”
None of these are harsh. But they are firm. Intentional. Respectful.
Leadership Without Overwhelm
Imagine if boundaries weren’t something we had to explain or justify, but a sign of alignment, maturity and strength.
That’s the conversation I want to start.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself this week:
- Where do you most need to reestablish a boundary right now?
- What have you been saying yes to out of habit, not intention?
- What would it feel like to honor your time the way you honor others’?
Have a boundary line that’s worked well for you? Share it in the comments. You never know who it might empower today.
If you’re curious, the article I mentioned is worth reading. Here’s the link: https://geediting.com/gb-phrases-classy-people-use-to-assert-boundaries-without-causing-any-offence/
Let’s normalize boundaries as a leadership strategy…not a last resort.