Boundary Setting

Principle: Clear boundaries can prevent conflicts.

Promise: Well-defined boundaries create a respectful and safe environment.

Playbook:

1. Define Acceptable Behaviors: Clearly articulate what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable within your recovery home. This clarity helps residents and staff understand expectations and reduces ambiguity that can lead to conflicts.
2. Communicate Boundaries Clearly: Use straightforward and concise language to communicate boundaries to all parties. Ensure that these boundaries are understood by everyone, possibly through signed agreements or repeated discussions.
3. Enforce Boundaries Consistently: Apply rules and enforce boundaries consistently among all residents and staff. Inconsistent enforcement can lead to confusion, resentment, and conflict.
4. Adjust as Necessary: Be open to adjusting boundaries as situations change or as you receive feedback. Flexibility can help maintain relevance and fairness of the boundaries.
5. Respect Others’ Boundaries: Encourage everyone in the recovery home to respect each other’s personal boundaries. Promote an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their limits without fear of retaliation or judgment.

Prompt: Think about a recent conflict that stemmed from a boundary issue. Was the boundary clearly communicated and consistently enforced? Reflect on how you can improve boundary setting and enforcement in the future to prevent similar conflicts.