Boundaries and Leadership Time Management
Let’s be honest, boundaries can be tricky. You want to be helpful, approachable, and a great leader… but before you know it, your diary’s full, your coffee’s gone cold, and you’re answering messages at 10 pm.
Does that sound familiar?
That’s why managing your time is so important.
Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about keeping you functioning at your best — for yourself and your team. When you get clear on what’s okay and what’s not, everything just runs smoother. You think better, you lead better, and you stop feeling like you’re constantly chasing your tail.
I actually wrote a guest blog for Sarah Stewart on this very topic — all about managing your time and energy without losing your spark. (You can check it out here.) But here are a few highlights to get you thinking.
Time Management Tips for Leaders
Boundaries aren’t about building walls; they’re more like setting traffic lights.
🟢 Green = “Yes please!” to what helps you grow.
🟡 Amber = “Maybe later.”
🔴 Red = “Nope, not today.”
Try these simple time management ideas to help you protect your time and energy:
Block out time in your diary for deep work (and protect it like you would a meeting with your boss).
Tell your team when you’re offline — and stick to it.
Practise saying “I’d love to, but I can’t right now.” I know this can be difficult at first, but it does get easier (I promise!)
Protect your downtime. No one makes good decisions when they’re running on empty.
The Ripple Effect of Boundaries
But here’s the best bit: when you set boundaries, you give everyone around you permission to do the same.
You create a calmer, more focused environment where people can actually thrive.
Boundaries aren’t a luxury; they’re an essential part of time management strategy.
So this week, pick one small boundary to hold and see what changes.
You might just find you have more time, more headspace, and a lot more joy in your work.
