Many professionals shy away from setting boundaries at work because they fear potential consequences. However, in high-pressure always-on work cultures, constantly saying “yes” is often mistaken for being considered a top performer. The opposite may be true. Focus increases quality while overwhelmed workers are rarely top performers. Taking on too much only leads to burnout and job errors.
A 2025 Confidence Gap Survey deployed by Connext, a global tech and staffing company, found that 64% of employees surveyed feel they are rewarded (at least sometimes) simply for productivity optics like logging long hours, being online for extended timeframes, or attending meetings with no real purpose. But that type of performance doesn’t translate into being a high performer or growing your own professional network. In order to be memorable and irreplaceable, you have to prioritize. Here are five boundary-setting phrases high performers use at work.
1. “I can take this on, but I’ll need to deprioritize XYZ.”
Use this phrase when last-minute requests or additional roles get added in a way that risks overload. This shows a willingness to help while also prompting a conversation about prioritization. Some managers with a large team will not be always aware of your daily workload and capacity. This phrase gives them that information. Plus, it shows you are strategically thinking about business priorities. Leaders have to make extensive decisions in a single day. Providing a ‘this-or-that’ approach helps reduce decision fatigue.
2. “To do this well, I’ll need more time or fewer deliverables.”
This phrase communicates an interest in work quality and feasible output. Use this phrase when unrealistic timelines, scope creep, or extra commitments pile up. Some organizations mistake busyness for productivity, valuing optics versus outcomes. Break the chain of choosing speed over quality by using this phrase to recenter priorities.
Continue Reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/katewieczorek/2026/01/28/5-boundary-setting-phrases-high-performers-use-at-work/