Set clear boundaries for success
- Categories Key things to help you everyday, Uncategorized, What the research tells us
- Date October 4, 2024
Lately, we have been reflecting on what it means to establish and maintain professional boundaries when it comes to meeting the needs (expectations) of residents.
We all accept that the role of a Village Professional is critical to resident wellbeing, who now come from two different generations – the Baby Boomer and Builder (Silent) Generations. Each group has distinct values and expectations, and managing their needs while maintaining professional boundaries can be challenging.
“We often confuse setting boundaries with making requests, demands, or complaints,” explained Juliane Taylor Shore, a therapist, teacher, and author of Setting Boundaries That Stick: How Neurobiology Can Help You Rewire Your Brain to Feel Safe, Connected, and Empowered. “Each of the latter focuses on what someone else does, whereas setting a boundary is about what you do.”
Here are some strategies for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with residents.
- Set clear communication boundaries
A boundary is focused on what you will do to keep yourself protected and connected with others. You aren’t relying on anyone else to act a certain way or respect your limits, rather it is something that you and you alone are in charge of. In the context of what we do, boundaries start with communication. Let residents know when, how, and where to reach you. Define your availability to prevent non-urgent issues from taking over your time.
Tips:
- Office hours: Post clear hours when you’re available and stick to them.
- Communication channels: Outline preferred ways to contact you and expected response times.
- Create a structured feedback system
Without a process, feedback can overwhelm you and will create boundary creep. Create a system to ensure issues are handled efficiently without bypassing protocols.
Tips:
- Designated contacts: Assign staff to handle non-urgent issues like maintenance or activities.
- Regular feedback: Use suggestion boxes or hold scheduled meetings to gather resident input.
- Manage requests with a triage system
Like residents, not all requests are equal. Establish a system to prioritise urgent concerns while handling routine requests systematically.
Tips:
- Clear process: Have staff triage requests to ensure urgent matters are handled first.
- Set expectations: Let residents know realistic timelines for responses to avoid misunderstandings.
- Balance empathy with professionalism
It’s important to be approachable, but professionalism must come first. Avoid getting too personally involved to maintain fairness.
Tips:
- Be consistent: Treat all residents fairly to prevent any perception of favouritism.
- Firm but compassionate: If something falls outside village policy, explain it politely and offer alternatives.
- Delegate responsibilities
You don’t have to do everything. Delegate tasks and roles to staff and, where appropriate, residents or the committee.
Tips:
- Empower staff: Involve them in the day-to-day management of the village, and encourage them to engage with the committee(s) to reduce your workload.
- Define roles: Make sure everyone knows their role to avoid confusion.
- Maintain social boundaries
Socialising is part of village life, but it’s important to maintain professional distance, especially during off-hours.
Tips:
- Engage professionally: Attend events, but keep interactions professional. Avoid personal conversations that may lead to future expectations.
- Protect personal time: Let residents know when you’re off-duty and unavailable.
- Address boundary oversteps immediately
When boundaries are crossed, address it quickly and clearly. This reinforces the importance of structure and professionalism.
Tips:
- Set limits: If a resident bypasses the system or contacts you outside hours, remind them of the proper process.
- Stay empathetic: Listen, but stand firm in reinforcing your boundaries.
Maintaining clear boundaries with residents isn’t easy, however it is possible through creating a respectful, well-functioning community.
For Village Professionals, boundaries are a key to a healthy work-life balance. So investing time in setting up systems for communication, requests, and feedback, and by balancing empathy with professionalism, you ensure both your needs and the needs of the residents are met.
Tag:boundaries, success
Australia's largest professional development for village and community manager and head office staff.