How to build and keep boundaries is a common coaching topic. Often we explore how we can draw boundaries between work and home -how to set time boundaries. Or, we need relationship boundaries, between you and your leader, or between you, the middle manager, and your team.  Or between friends and family members. 

Boundaries can be beautiful.  I call them beautiful when they serve a good purpose. The ugly ones seek to exclude for the wrong reasons (to prevent access, to information, and resources) or because of stereotypes and biases. 

Beautiful boundaries are firm, but flexible. They are solid, but malleable. They have doors and windows that can be opened and closed, and locked, as needed. 

Boundaries protects those on the inside from invasion from an outside force. 

Boundaries also protects others from us, from our thoughtless or selfish intrusion.  

Boundaries can liberate someone to fly while also and lock another one in to die. What purpose does your boundaries serve? 

Beautiful boundaries are built from respect, empathy and understanding.

Is it time to evaluate yours?