Does boss frequently e-mail you on weekends, and sometimes even calls you on your home phone? If your answer is yes, what do you do? According to the founder of a billion dollar real estate business, many women are timid about setting boundaries at work because they fear it makes them look like “not a team player” or even worse, “ not nice.” But learning to say “no” when it’s appropriate is an important key to success.
Good boundaries not only protect your weekends and vacations, but they also prevent burnout on the job. And while it’s important that you be available and enthusiastic at work, it’s equally essential that your employer respect your personal life. But how do you say “no” so that it won’t feel like a “no” to your boss? Tip: tell her in advance “I usually don’t’ check my e-mail on weekends, but if you really need to reach me and it can’t wait till Monday. Please call my cell.”