When extra work shows up, I pause before reacting and take inventory. Then I respond with: “Here’s what I’m working on what should I shift to make room for this?” To navigate this well, I: • Use a running task list to track my workload • Frame limits as prioritization, not resistance • Follow up in writing to confirm what was discussed • Send weekly recaps like: “Here’s what I’m prioritizing let me know if anything needs to shift” • Stay aware of team norms around pacing vs. urgency Boundaries aren’t blocks they’re bridges to clarity. Protecting your capacity is how you lead well and last.

To set boundaries effectively, communicate openly with your manager. Politely explain your current workload and how additional projects may impact quality or deadlines. Suggest prioritising tasks together to ensure alignment on goals. Be assertive but respectful, focusing on productivity rather than refusal. Setting clear limits while showing commitment helps maintain balance and prevents burnout, ensuring you deliver your best work on high-priority assignments.

To set boundaries effectively, I communicate proactively and transparently. When assigned extra projects, I assess priorities and timelines, then discuss them with my manager to align on what’s most critical. I explain the impact of new tasks on current work and suggest realistic timelines or trade-offs. If needed, I propose delegating or rescheduling less urgent items. This ensures I stay accountable while setting clear expectations. It’s about being solution-focused, showing commitment without compromising the quality of my work or the team’s success.

If your manager keeps assigning extra projects, you can set boundaries by clearly and respectfully explaining your current workload and how it affects your ability to take on more. Use timelines or task lists to show your capacity, and ask which tasks should be prioritized or reassigned. Offer solutions that maintain quality without overextending yourself, and suggest regular check-ins to align expectations and workload moving forward. This approach shows responsibility while protecting your time and energy.

You don't need to be a hero. You need to be honest. Try this: "I want to deliver high-quality work. With my current load, taking this on means X gets delayed. Are we aligned on that?" That's not pushback. That's LEADERSHIP. Setting boundaries isn't saying no—it's saying yes to doing the right things well.