HBR Working Parents Starter Set (5 Books)

2

Set Boundaries, Foil Boundary Predators, and Say No

by Priscilla Claman

Quick Takes

• Agree to terms ahead of time
• Refer to your expertise
• Anticipate scope creep
• Ask clarifying questions
• Learn to say no indirectly

Boundary predators are easy to find at work. They include the boss who asks you to work the weekend you have a family wedding or the client who tacks on two more presentations to the senior team than you agreed to. They are the team leader who assigns you more work than your colleagues.

Boundary predators aren’t just at work. They also include the crafty 4-year-old who says, “But Daddy said I could have another cookie!” They are the 17-year-old who commits to driving three friends to the movies without first asking your permission ...