What are boundaries?
Boundaries are not walls to keep people out; they are gates that protect your values and energy. In a professional context, emotional boundaries involve distinguishing between your responsibilities and the emotional states of your colleagues or clients.
The Cost of Permeability
Without clear boundaries, you risk 'emotional contagion'—taking on the stress and anxiety of those around you. This leads to decision fatigue and decreased empathy. Learning to say 'no' respectfully is an essential high-performance skill.