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10 WaysTo Set Coaching Boundaries

This post was most recently updated on June 19th, 2017

Setting Boundaries

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If you want to be a coach or mentor in your field or niche, the first thing you need to do is set up boundaries. 

This will brand you immediately as a leader.  You may get all excited with your first coaching clients and spend extra time with them.  But what does that say to that person?  It says you have all the time in the world for them. It also says you will hold their hand.  No one learns from having their hand held.  It is like doing your kids homework for them.  

 

You need to set up boundaries because people will tend to lean on you. 

 

They will call you without an appointment, Facebook or email you to say that they have called you.  They “need” an answer right away and expect you to be at their beck and call.  This will cause you a great deal of anxiety as you become a slave to their “urgent” needs.  It is also giving them a “free pass” to nag you endlessly. 

 

If you accept this servitude, you’ll be doing their “homework” for them.  But worst… you’ll be destroying the very brand you’re trying to build… that of a leader.  You won’t be a leader, coach or mentor, but instead only their assistant, their guy or gal Friday.  They may even want you to make coffee, lol.

 

To be a true leader, you need to give information to your clients and challenge them get to the task of implementing what they’ve learned.  

So here are some tips for setting boundaries so you won’t get sucked into that void of being a slave to your clients.

1.  Make an outline of the services you provide.  

2.  Keep a firm price point!  This all depends on where you are in your business and what you want to do.  You can have a low to high price point.

3.  Let your clients know when you are available.  This means that you need to create a time frame that suits YOU to meet on Google+ or Skype, or wherever you choose.

4.  If your client list is growing to the point where you need to coral them… do a webinar!  You can take questions via email or Facebook in advance, and then answer those questions on the webinar. 

You will certainly get duplicate and overlapping ones.  That can help you set the theme of your webinar.  Make the webinar a certain time that suits YOU, record it and offer a replay to those who can’t attend live.

5.  You can also schedule a Q&A  webinar if you like, and answer various questions live.  You can do this as little as once a month.  Believe me, people really appreciate the live interaction!

6.  You need to understand the “needy” people.  This is where you have to be firm.  Keep a strong mindset here.  If they don’t like you because you won’t spend endless hours with them, you really don’t need their business.

7.  Remember… “No” is your best friend.  We tend to think if we say “no” to a person, something bad will happen.  Well actually, if we simply go along with them, it may turn into a disaster.  You’ll be letting them be the leader, and they have no idea what they’re doing.  Have your rules in place!

8.  If a client won’t play by your rules, politely direct them to go elsewhere.  This is your business. You are the leader.  You cannot lead unless you have control.  It is like being a teacher in a classroom.  You can’t have the kids running all over the place.  They must sit down and listen.

9.  Boundaries need to be set also on how much you want to share of your life.  This is a personal issue but one to consider before you set up a learning program for your clients.

10. When teaching a group via an interactive webinar or any other platform, don’t give the floor unconditionally to any one participant.  There are some people that enjoy “taking over the conversation.”  Limit their time and focus, and make that clear. 

Don’t allow people to change the subject, start lecturing or use the opportunity as a time to get the group to help them solve their own particular problems. There is nothing worse than getting on a webinar and having someone out of the blue talk, talk, talk!  I’ve seen it happen and it distracts from what the learning experience is all about.

Setting boundaries is not a bad thing, in fact it is an essential one.  Boundary setting is keeping things in control and will benefit you in the long run.  It is a sign of good leadership and people will actually appreciate it.

I’ve been a psychic consultant for many years.  Most of my clients are repeat clients that I’ve had for a long time.  They seek my counsel on an ongoing basis because they know I am a leader by virtue of the boundaries I have set for them. 

 

They know I will not tell them what to do, but challenge them to make their own decisions based on the intuitive visions and cues I share with them.  They know I don’t tell them “this will happen”, but rather, “this is a likely outcome if you choose to take action A, but I see you could have a totally different outcome by choosing action B”.  

Now I’ve had clients that wanted me to simply dictate what they should do, and I don’t do that.  Or some have wanted me to give them instruction for manipulating people or situations, and I don’t do that either.  Consequently, over the years, I’ve had to refuse to work with some people.  It’s rare, though it does happen.  But as a leader and a consultant, this is my perogative.    

As a leader, you must learn to exercise this sort of control, understanding that some people may not like the boundaries you have set, and choose not to work with you. 

That’s okay, too.  Coaching, mentoring or consulting is a two way street. 

The client-coach relationship must be mutually respectful given the boundaries you have clearly set.

Here is my question to you: 

Do you have a problem about setting boundaries?  Do you feel like you are being too hard on folks, or do you feel like it is a more productive way to do things?  I would like to know if you’ve set boundaries in your coaching or consulting business, or which ones you think you’d like to set but have had difficulty doing.

Blessings,
Donna

Image credit: yasnaten / 123RF Stock Photo

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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39 Responses to 10 WaysTo Set Coaching Boundaries

  1. Kala May 1, 2017 at 8:57 pm #

    As a relatively new coach (Ive been an educator) this is a super helpful article (I”m also into the woo-woo-tarot.) I actually think I”ll bookmark and share this.

  2. nick catricala April 14, 2013 at 11:04 pm #

    Hey Donna,
    so glad to come to your blog today (ok, is 11pm on Sunday night :-0

    I was working on my blog post (a little late sine I was busy today:-) and when I start to read the post, I knew it was directed to me…

    WOW, you sure are a leader and you sure know what you are talking about… love it.

    I truly appreciated you sharing all this great info.. I am new at coaching and this info is very precious.. THANKS so much.

    I copy and pasted your tips for setting boundaries.. very, very valuable..

    Will memorize them for certain.

    Thanks so much, all this will help me a lot to get more done and do it theright way.

    Thanks again my friend…
    nickc
    nick catricala recently posted..Nickc life story… part 4 in a seriesMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 28, 2013 at 2:10 pm #

      Thank you Nick,

      Sorry for the late reply. Your comment got lost in my spam! How dare my spam do that to you!

      I appreciate your kind words as always and thankful for your beautiful comment.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  3. kisha johnson April 12, 2013 at 9:08 pm #

    Hi donna,

    I dodn”t even know how i cam accross your article however i did and was so grateful and sent it to my business partner. You really hit some spots with me straight to the heart because i was having this conversation earlier and my business partners thought i ws being harsh. I feel setting boundaries should be a life style. I am a professional network marketer, lupus mentor and i do alot of personal development mentoring. I consider myself like a personal deveolment coach already because of my blogging and the quality of information i share.

    I really would like to know how i can get more involved in coaching on a more one on one level any advise. I am helping people all the time and i love it. My destiny is to spread lupus awareness and assist others with succeeding but i can”T want it more than a person does. Great content Donna you ROCK!!I just began blogging here is a blog i did. I was told it should of been a article. let me know what u think. http://www.eyecandielupiesnetwork.blogspot.com/ Thank you for being a gem. Your article just gave me confirmation. Have a blessed night Donna.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2013 at 10:47 am #

      Hi Kisha,

      Happy to be of help. Setting boundaries are necessary in life and especially in the Network Marketing field. I’ve been there and would not accept any one taking up too much of my time. I had strict rules from the beginning and kept them. If someone needed help, I would make an appointment with them.

      If you are a personal development mentor, you know that setting boundaries are necessary for clear communication.

      A little two cents advice: When you are setting boundaries, do it in a calm monotone voice. It usually works best that way lol.

      Heading over to your blog…..

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  4. RobG March 31, 2013 at 3:09 pm #

    Hello Donna, I think you need to set boundaries in order to maintain your your self as a coach because you will need all the available time to help others in need so limiting your coaching sessions will provide you with that extra time.

    Great share Donna as always. I hope your having a wonderful day.
    RobG recently posted..How-To Help Your Blogs Loading Time, With Out loosing Your ReadersMy Profile

  5. Leslie Denning
    Twitter:
    March 29, 2013 at 6:54 pm #

    Hi Donna. Great advice. I’m getting ready to step into the coaching arena, and I want to get started the right way. I’ve done some free ‘coaching’ of friends, but I could tell right away it was going to be a lot of work, so I back pedalled on that. This going in my file of ‘stuff’. Thanks so much.

    All the best,
    Leslie
    Leslie Denning recently posted..Warning! Don’t Try This At Home!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 4:24 pm #

      Hi Leslie,

      Sorry for the late response, Holidays have backed me up a bit. But yes, coaching is a pretty big task.

      It is great that you are doing free coaching to start. This will get your feet wet. What I would say is make a plan first. Have a list of questions for your client to fill out BEFORE you coach them.

      Saves lots of time and trouble!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  6. Mayura
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2013 at 2:32 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I had enough time to reach out and offer help for anyone who needed 🙂 I did and I don’t regret any of it either. I get it when you say “It is like doing your kids homework for them”.

    However when I do ’em, one thing I’ve noticed that they are thinking I have all the time for ’em 🙂 I know they need help, but I have work to deal with too. Even my friends here assume I’m at home, so have more than enough free time to deal with.

    Once you talk about Power of NO here and at the same time I thought of using it even more 🙂 Now I do and of course, politely. It has been helpful to prioritize my work effectively and get ’em done. The needy people will always follow and work with me 🙂

    Thanks for wonderful tips and reminder Donna 🙂 We all need to have some limitations.

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..Manage Your Website in Google Webmaster Tools: Part 2My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2013 at 12:34 pm #

      Hi Mayura,

      Yes there is that power of “NO” and we can say that politely to people. We must value our time so we don’t burn out. That will do no good for us and no good for those who rely on us.

      Your kind heart is something people do resonate with. But you have to protect that. You can’t help all of the people all of the time my friend.

      I get the same problem with my friends because I work from home. It is difficult for those people to understand when basically most of the population go to work then come home and have nothing else to do.

      Only the Entrepreneur can understand how hard another entrepreneur works!

      Thanks for sharing,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  7. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    March 26, 2013 at 6:26 pm #

    Hi Donna. Guilty as charged. 🙂 I have to set up boundaries as well and your article is right on time. I found last week that I fell behind in all my blogging because I did not set boundaries. So I will take your advice. Points taken….all of them! 🙂
    Thank you for sharing
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..Six Reasons Why People Don’t Leave Comments On Your BlogMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2013 at 12:29 pm #

      Hey Barbara,

      Guess what? You were my inspiration for this post lol. As we brainstormed together, this particular subject came to my mind the other night.

      We shared our stories about time management and voila..inspiration for this post. Thanks

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  8. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    March 26, 2013 at 3:56 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is a great post and I really loved reading it to to last word.

    I am not a coach but I agree with all your tips and it can be applied by any leader with a team. A leader should set boundaries for his team members as well. They teach us a lot about the posture and leadership skills in network marketing and I think your tips includes lots of those tips as well in setting the boundaries.

    I loved the tip about making webinars and helping answer your team’s or clients’ questions. That’s a very smart tip as the team or client base grows.

    Thanks Donna for such a great share. Hope you have a great week ahead.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2013 at 12:21 pm #

      Hi Neamat,

      Yes, if you are a leader this applies also! If you are a leader in your team, webinars are great to do.

      Instead of spending all your time answering each question, or telling people what steps to make to achieve goals, webinars are a good place to do it.

      Coral all your people in one place at one time. Then record it for those who cannot make it. (we always got those lol) Email it to them so they can keep on point.

      Also have a time for questions and answers via a webinar or a Google hangout.

      Get those boundaries working!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  9. Karen Jolly March 26, 2013 at 10:50 am #

    Excellent points Donna – thank you!

    I’ve learned the hard way that it is so much easier on your business if you set up your boundaries from the get go. Trying to establish them after you have given in, is a challenge! I agree whole-heartedly that “no” is your best friend – it’s also honest communication. When I say no to a client, instead of buying into the “neediness”, I am seeing them as whole and able and it is such a gift to both myself and them. Thank you so much for the reminder!
    Karen Jolly recently posted..Failure is Not an OptionMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 26, 2013 at 2:04 pm #

      Hi Karen,

      Thanks for your awesome input. I agree that if you try to establish your boundaries “after” it just turns into a disaster.

      Saying No is a good thing. I have written a blog about that some time ago. No is honesty at it’s best!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  10. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    March 26, 2013 at 8:04 am #

    Super fab tips Donna.

    I had a difficult, difficult time with setting boundaries for years. A few months back, with some mental clearing, I came upon a piece of advice from David Wood. He noted that he only trains people or sets aside time for them only after he sees results from them.

    This is serious, serious posture, and although I have not taken it to this level this second, I am well on the way. I am too busy creating blog posts, generating revenue and making connections with leaders to be held back by followers, or naggers.

    The cool part is if you be the person you intend to be, and establish posture during the process, you attract self-starters and other driven people by the boatload. Yes, you attract the hangers-on, too, but you have no problem releasing them immediately, or telling them to move in a different direction, and yep, I have done this more than a few times.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..My Most Terrible Mistake as a Cash Gifting Blogger and How I Succeeded from this ErrorMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 26, 2013 at 1:29 pm #

      Hi Ryan

      I agree with David Wood. I only will bring in people that I see can get results. Otherwise, I end up holding someone’s hand that will not grow at all. That is not good for me, but worse for my client.

      I have learned to posture long ago in my Psychic Business. Imagine, people coming to you for “the answer” when they really need to learn that the answer is within. Yes, I can see the future. But I am a road map. I encourage people to use their free will. I tell them from the beginning that I am not here to tell you what to do, but rather which road to take.

      Yes, I have repeat clients and my business is strong. But, if I get those naggers, or people that just do not want to grow, I do have to let them go for their own good as well as mine.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  11. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    March 26, 2013 at 4:09 am #

    Hi Donna

    Such good advice and boundaries are so necessary. I am not coaching now but I have experience with your message.

    I started out as a CPA and used to have clients call me at any hour. Now I charged by the minute (as accountants do lol) but I had not set boundaries around hours.

    I have been an offline business coach also and with that I charged a monthly fee but did not put times on it. Big mistake!

    I was never very good at know. I think it is a woman thing as my make colleagues were better at that one.

    Great advice Donna

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..Being HappyMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 26, 2013 at 12:42 pm #

      Thanks for sharing that Sue!

      You had loads of experience in the past, and have learned what and what not to do when it comes to setting boundaries.

      In my psychic business off line, I’ve learned that the hard way. As a “helper” I wanted to help as much as I could. But then I found people that were becoming depending on me…..oh a big no no in my business.

      When that happens, boundaries must be set. I had to tell them to wait a few months before they came again.

      Oh boy do I have stories lol

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  12. Amy Hagerup March 26, 2013 at 12:01 am #

    Donna, this was really, really good. It reminds me of the lesson we learn about posturing. It totally embodies that, doesn’t it. I love your cautions here and since I am a newbie at charging for my consulting, this comes a great time. Thanks so much.
    Amy Hagerup recently posted..Why You Need to Learn LinkedIn for Your BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 26, 2013 at 12:38 pm #

      Hi Amy,

      So glad this could be of help to you. Especially when we are new, we need to know that boundary settings are not only good for us, but will also be of good to our clients.

      Being up front from the beginning, setting you times and prices need to be done before accepting a client.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  13. Corina Ramos March 25, 2013 at 11:18 pm #

    Great advice Donna. I’m definitely taking note and your post couldn’t have come at a better time.

    I have to admit I had no boundaries with my first client.

    I told her to contact me at anytime and she sure did 🙂 Of course I didn’t mind because I was helping her and that is the whole purpose of my consulting service but I should have set those boundaries because before I knew it, she was calling me at night. 🙂

    Thankfully one night she called and I let it go to voice mail. The next day I returned her call first thing in the morning, apologized and said that when she called I was officially offline for the day and it worked 🙂

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 26, 2013 at 12:35 pm #

      AHA Corina,

      That famous “Call me anytime!” That is one thing that we need never to say to anyone! It will only cause chaos.

      Yes we want to help, but cannot do so unless we do it in a constructive manner. We set up the rules. We make the appointments when WE have the time. Otherwise, people will call all times of the day and it will only lead to frustration.

      Not good for us and our clients.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  14. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2013 at 4:35 pm #

    I could have used this advice last year Donna. I was horrible at setting boundaries in the past but once I decided to go into coaching I really haven’t had any issues.

    I know that my main problem in the past was that I had continued to attract the wrong people to me. You know, the ones that are clingy! Yep, the ones that would email you and call you all the time and want help right then and there without no concern about your time at all. Hey, I did it to myself though so I can’t really blame them.

    Once I learned how to attract the right people though it’s funny but I haven’t had this issue. What a huge learning experience for me. I should have done that a heck of a lot sooner but we live and learn right.

    These are great tips and spot on girl. I hear ya for sure.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Google Is At It AgainMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 25, 2013 at 9:40 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      I think we all have to learn the hard way. Going through those awful experiences teach us well!

      And yes there is the concept of the Law of Attraction here too. I enjoy each and every person that comes to me. It is an uplifting experience for both of us.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  15. Raena Lynn March 25, 2013 at 3:59 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    These are excellent guidelines for setting up coaching schedules and programs. The most important thing you have to do is set boundaries. Setting boundaries can be easy for people who have a certain personality, but I believe it is a challenge for most people, including myself. I am a coach and when I first started, it was difficult because I want to help. After a few bruises and scrapes, I’ve learned that the precedent must be set up from the beginning, or you are in big trouble!

    There has to be mutual respect between both sides, and that only happens if you act like a leader. You don’t have to demand respect. It will come if you prepare adequately and have a plan laid out which includes pricing, scheduling, contact times and places, and follow up. The coach must have control, much like a classroom, as you pointed out. The more straight forward you are from the start, the greater probability of success.

    Webinars are a great way to leverage time and having a replay to send out is a tool that can be used many times to serve many people. Thanks for these wonderful tips Donna!

    Raena Lynn
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 25, 2013 at 9:39 pm #

      Hi Raena,

      Yes, If you are a leader respect will come. Once we prepare and have a plan laid out with what you mention, it is straight forward. No room for haggling or someone trying to pull all your energy.

      It is up to us, leaders, coaches, etc, to set the ground rules, otherwise there is chaos.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  16. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2013 at 3:18 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Good post. Setting boundaries in my business is very important for the sustained success of the business. Many people think of setting boundars with negative connotations; however, they ensure my business stays in integrity, with me and with itself. When you have systems and boundaries in place, our clients know what to expect and that makes working with us a consistent and, overall, pleasurable experience.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..Say What You Mean, Mean What You SayMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 25, 2013 at 9:30 pm #

      Absolutely Rachel!

      In business we need to have things up front and layed out! When someone wants to work with us, they need to go to a page where our fees and services are clearly stated.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  17. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2013 at 3:13 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I really love that post, and you’ve said it all and said it well. Setting boundaries with your clients is really a must because some people WILL invade your life.

    About two years ago I had a client who used to call me every day (it was a writing client), and he used to really bug the hell out of me.

    He could hear the ton of my voice “not being friendly” at times so he used to say that I was tough and that he was just calling as a friend. But guess what? Since the day he hasn’t used my services because he dropped off the online business scene he has not called me again.

    Don’t fall for those snakes guys. Some people can pretend to be your friends but they have an agenda. As far as clients, they have no business calling you every day, and you need to tell them to buzz off politely, but surely.

    As a professional you need to pass along that message. You’re not their friend, you’re the person they hired.

    I know I would never make that mistake again 🙂

    Great reminder, Donna.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Beware Of Hubpages And How They Stabbed Me In The BackMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 25, 2013 at 9:19 pm #

      Hi Sylviane,

      I know exactly what you are talking about. Years ago, when I had a shop, people would come in, not wanting to purchase a product or use my services, but to be my friend.

      That’s where I learned my lesson. I had to be blunt and tell them they could not hang out! In between sessions I was exhausted and needed to recoup or just do some writing.

      They didn’t respect that. So I learned how to communicate with those “snakes” as you call them a long time ago!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  18. James March 25, 2013 at 3:07 pm #

    Hey Donna, thanks for this post. could have used it a few hours ago!

    Just did a 1 hour call on a 15 minute freebie offer…oops. gotta set those boundaries and write down my coaching guidelines.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 25, 2013 at 9:14 pm #

      Hi James!

      Sometimes that’s OK if you feel like chatting. But overall, you have to make a plan, write it down and stick to it. It’s always good to have under your “work with me” a price chart. Right up front!!!! This separates those who want to drain you.

      No pay, no play! lol
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  19. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2013 at 2:06 pm #

    Great Post Donna. I have just recently learned the importance of setting boundaries I have one gal in particular that thinks she should be handed everything on a silver platter when ever she calls. Well I have now have a system and anyone who wants to talk needs to connect with me here it is the vcita form. It is free to use and is an Awesome team building tool. I learn something new with every visit here, Thanks for sharing.. Chery 🙂
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Setting Up Your Business The Right Way The First TimeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 25, 2013 at 9:05 pm #

      Glad you solved that problem Chery!

      Yes, we all have our share of those who want things on a silver platter. It can be a difficult situation if you don’t plan ahead and set your rules.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

  20. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2013 at 12:32 pm #

    Wonderful tips Donna!

    I loved all that you shared, and I am bookmarking this post just in-case I need it in the near future. 🙂

    I am not a coach as of now, though my hubby keeps telling me to start coaching and becoming a mentor because of my blog and the kind of comments and interaction we have there – so you never know. I’m surely learning from so many wonderful coaches and friends like you and others, and in a way getting ready to start some day.

    I agree, we need to set boundaries, not just in coaching – but in anything we do, because those are kind of lines no one crosses, or you don’t allow others to cross, which I feel are essential. It’s similar to setting boundaries for your kids or teens – isn’t it? Yes, you can guide people to accomplish their goals, but you really can’t spoon feed or take the decisions for them. And yes, we DO need to use the word ‘no’ much more often if we really want to get our work done.

    Thanks for sharing these ways with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Will You Change Your Lifestyle For A CauseMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 25, 2013 at 12:52 pm #

      Harleena,

      You would make a great coach! You do have so much to give and there are many interactions with your blog alone. I second hubby on this!

      Boundaries go beyond coaching. It has to be part of our lives. When you come down to it, setting boundaries is being honest.

      The worst thing to do is to spoon feed people because they will just never learn and worse not accept responsibility for themselves.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 WaysTo Set Coaching BoundariesMy Profile

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