#34 How can I establish boundaries with colleagues or clients who constantly demand my time?

the Debug Life

Apr 17 2023 • 5 mins

As a young professional tech, the skill to set boundaries at work is essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here's how to say no to colleagues and managers without compromising the work you get done or how you're perceived. First off, look at everything that is expected of you and how they impact the product and yourself, and the team. Prioritize according to which ones are most important. Then whenever your manager asks you to do something, you'll be able to tell them, "I would really like to get this done, but I have other things that require my attention and with a much greater impact." "Can we talk about what I should deprioritize in order to get what you're asking me to get done?" More often than not, you'll find them willing to drop the issue.
00:00 Introduction

00:10 Learn to Say No
00:54 Use Routines
01:56 Time-Block Your Schedule
02:51 Unplug to Recharge
03:47 Look for Win-Win
04:34 Conclusion

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