The Leadership Work of Boundaries

Hannah Richardson
Oct 14
2 min read

By October, many Montessori leaders are stretched thin. The excitement of September has worn off, and the demands of the year are settling in. Staff need guidance, families need answers, boards want updates, and the leader often becomes the catch-all for every concern.

The temptation is to respond by doing more, giving more, and saying yes to everything. But that path leads quickly to burnout—for the leader and the community.

Boundaries are the antidote. And they are leadership work.

Why Boundaries Matter

Without clear boundaries:

Leaders over-function and burn out.
Staff feel unclear or unsupported.
Families develop unrealistic expectations.
Children sense the instability of adults.

With boundaries, communities thrive on clarity, stability, and trust.

What Boundaries Look Like

Time: Responding during work hours instead of late at night.
Role: Clarifying which tasks belong to leadership, staff, or families.
Vision: Staying focused on priorities instead of chasing every idea.
Emotional: Supporting with empathy, without absorbing all of someone else’s struggles.

How Leaders Can Practice Boundaries

Communicate proactively. Let staff and families know what to expect about your availability and focus.
Model balance. Show that it’s okay to rest and to disconnect.
Enforce gently but consistently. Boundaries only work if you hold them, without apology.
Frame as equity. Humane limits protect everyone from over-functioning—not just those who feel empowered to set them.

Reflection Questions

Where am I saying “yes” when I should say “not right now”?
What boundaries would bring more stability to my staff and families?
How am I modeling sustainable work for the adults and children around me?

Final Takeaway

Boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re essential.

When leaders hold them, they protect their own energy and create healthier, more stable communities. Boundaries model dignity, reduce anxiety, and remind everyone that sustainability is not optional—it’s leadership.