March 10, 2009PowerPhrase ~ I never agreed to…
Many people have assumed “job requirements” for their different relationships. They have roles they expect others to fill, and they feel let down if others don’t comply. For Marie, marriage means her husband visits her family with her each week. For Rene, friendship means hating each other’s “enemies.” For Joe, an assistant is someone who will lie for you.
Sharon did not share Joe’s assumption. When he asked her to lie to a client, she said something non-committal to the client, and took the first opportunity to speak privately with Joe to make her boundaries clear.
- I want to be the best assistant you’ve ever had, but I need you to k now II never agreed to lie for you.
For Sharon, lying was a deal-breaker. She was unwilling to stay in a position that required lying. Joe was able to adjust his expectations.
A teacher named Cheyenne plans to write a book called “Four Agreements I Never Made.” What assumptions have you allowed people to impose on you?
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