Creating and enforcing boundaries as a project manager can be challenging, because: 

• Aren’t we the ones who are supposed to get along with everyone?

• Aren’t we the ones who are supposed to drop everything to have a meeting?

• Aren’t we the ones who are supposed to respond to all messages, immediately right now?

• Aren’t we the ones who are supposed to have perfect attendance so we don’t miss anything important?

If you have asked yourself these questions, you are not alone! 

These frustrations are common. 

So what is your best bet for being a team player AND maintaining your own self-respect?

It’s easy - 

Set clear expectations at the front end of the project. 

This looks like:

• Being clear about when you are available.

• Being clear about how you can be contacted. 

• Being clear about your expected response times.

• Documenting the above in your project’s communication plan.

PRO TIP: Discuss the above with your manager before the project begins to make sure you are on the same page. 

And one final reminder, just because you are the project manager does not mean you should put up with bad behavior.

How do you create and enforce boundaries?