Back to overview
SBS_profielfoto_A01_vierkant_Henry Weessies
Henry Weessies
|
SBS_profielfoto_A01_vierkant_Ria Allewijn
Ria Allewijn
|
Article
|
4 September 2025

Holding boundaries

Holding boundaries is one of the most challenging skills of the systemic leader. This is because it is not a neutral position to demarcate.

You are choosing a position and that is a big responsibility. It is often accompanied by fear: are we not excluding any potential? Are we not missing opportunities? Does this not clash with the wish for personal autonomy?

Yet it is precisely a really important skill, that, from a point of safety, relaxation and predictability, creates more focus. When you, as a leader, are able to mark the space in which we will work and act, the feart in the team that you might get overwhelmed or be asked too many questions disappears. You do not need to be on your guard for unexpected things, and this allows you to more easily surrender yourself.

Holding boundaries provides a demarcated area. You frame the energy to achieve a particular goal or expectation. What are we going to do, what are we not going to do? What do we stand for, what do we not stand for? In this clarity a focus and a safe space for development appears.