B is for Boundaries: Reclaiming Time and Focus.

“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated.” Brené Brown.

Boundaries are not barriers - they’re enablers of strategic clarity. In leadership teams, blurred boundaries often lead to role confusion, decision fatigue, and burnout.

Research in small group dynamics shows that clearly defined roles and relational contracts improve team cohesion and reduce conflict.

In one recent engagement, a founder-led team was struggling with “decision creep”; too many voices in too many decisions. By mapping decision rights and clarifying who owns what, they reclaimed hours of wasted time and restored trust.

Actionable Insight:

• Regularly audit your calendar and agenda: How many meetings or conversations are you in that you don’t need to be?  What is the purpose of your meetings?

  
  

• Clarify decision rights: Who decides, who contributes, who needs to be informed? Is the meeting to decide, discuss or to explore?

  
  

• Use boundary mapping to identify where relational leakage is costing you energy.

Why it matters: Strong boundaries create space for strategic thinking. They protect energy, reduce noise, and enable leaders to lead.

Wheelan, S. A. (2009). Creating effective teams: A guide for members and leaders. SAGE Publications. Wageman, R., Nunes, D. A., Burruss, J. A., & Hackman, J. R. (2008). Senior leadership teams: What it takes to make them great. Harvard Business Press.