
Brian Knopp – Hospitality Leader
12 Phrases That Will Establish Boundaries
By Rachel Park
You feel your heartbeat rising, palms sweaty. Conversations so uncomfortable that
you don’t know how else to start but with a “Sorry”
But setting boundaries is like going to the gym. It’s developed through the daily practices that build your muscles.
- Shows professionalism without diminishing your time
✅ “My calendar is at capacity for the moment” - Validates your right to set limits
✅ “I need to decline to honour existing commitments”- Owns your right to raise concerns
✅ “This is important to address”
- Owns your right to raise concerns
- Focuses on growth rather than guilt
✅ “Here’s what I learned and my next steps” - Positions your view with confidence and evidence.
✅ “Here’s my perspective based on [X]” - Demonstrates self-awareness and solution-focus
✅ “I need support with [specific task]” - Sets clear expectations and timeline
✅ “I can deliver this by [realistic date]” - Establishes professional standards
✅ “To deliver my best work, I need [X] days notice” - Promotes open dialogue about workload
✅ “Let’s discuss a sustainable approach” - Prevents overcommitment and builds team accountability
✅ “Let’s clarify team responsibilities” - Shows respect for both parties’ time
✅ “Here are the times that work best” - Initiates constructive problem-solving
✅ “Let’s review priorities and resources needed”
Your boundaries aren’t negotiable.vThey’re the foundation of your success 💫
What phrase will you start using today? Share below 👇
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