Understanding limits.

Often, we ask more of an individual than is possible.  If we pause, and think about how we felt in that moment after being asked by a co-worker or supervisor to use time we don’t have or complete a task that is beyond our duties or capabilities, it doesn’t feel great.  Empathy in the workplace can be as simple as an understanding of the limits of an individual’s job duties or time, and not asking them to go beyond those limits.  

I work with graduate student teaching assistants every year, and they are assigned to work with me for a certain number of hours each week.  Given my position I could ask them to complete tasks that either are beyond their duties or the time allotted, and most TAs will do whatever they are asked.  But I have put them at a disadvantage by doing so.  I was a graduate assistant a few years ago (maybe more than a few), so I put myself in their shoes.  I respect their time and tell them to keep track and let me know if their tasks are taking more than their allocated hours.  I also ask them what type of tasks they are comfortable with and provide them all the resources they need to complete the tasks.    

• Understanding and responding to limits of duties or time

• Be aware of how your power in a situation may put undue pressure on the other to say yes 

• Work together with the other to understand their limits, and state yours.