I Have A Hard Stop at. .,: How to Teach Others to Value Your Time

Written by HIT Strategist Shereese Maynard, MS, MBA She/Her

For remarkable professional women like myself, the phrase "I have a hard stop at…" is more than just a calendar reminder—it is a declaration of self-worth. These days, I literally don’t have time for the nonsense. For women in leadership, particularly those mid to late-career, mastering the art of valuing and protecting their time is crucial. Time is our most finite resource, one that dictates the rhythm of our lives. For women navigating leadership roles, often while juggling personal responsibilities, recognizing the importance of their time and teaching others to value it is essential for personal and professional success. Let’s pretend I’m holding your hand as I say this, “nobody’s going to value your time if you don’t write the formula.” You got it! Now let’s get into it.

Why Our Time is Always of the Essence

Women have historically shouldered a disproportionate share of domestic and emotional labor, even as they ascend professionally. Society often expects women to be the primary caregivers, leading to a relentless balancing act that leaves little room for personal time. According to studies, women spend significantly more time on unpaid work than men. This imbalance extends to professional settings, where women are more likely to volunteer for non-promotable tasks or to have their time undervalued.

Consider the story of Jalsina, a VP of Strategy who constantly stayed late to accommodate others’ schedules while her male counterparts left on time. Her evenings were filled with unfinished work, leading to burnout. Jalsina’s experience underscores a common narrative where women stretch themselves thin to meet external demands, often at the cost of their own well-being.

Disclaimer for those who search for the “real people” we write about. Jalsina is an amalgam of all the women I’ve spoken to about this issue, 

How to Set Time Boundaries

Setting and maintaining boundaries is pivotal in asserting control over your time. Here are some practical strategies:

• Define Your Work Hours: Clearly outline your professional availability. This sets expectations with colleagues and helps protect your time. For instance, block out 'focus hours' in your calendar where you are unavailable for meetings.
• Communicate Assertively: Use clear and concise language to convey your time boundaries. For example, instead of saying, "I might be busy," say, "I am unavailable during that time." This leaves no room for negotiation and reinforces the importance of your schedule.
• Leverage Technology: Use calendar tools and set reminders to effectively manage your time and compensation. Tools like shared calendars can prevent scheduling conflicts and ensure your colleagues know your availability.
• Practice Consistency: Stick to your boundaries consistently. When you uphold your own rules, others are more likely to respect them. This might mean occasionally saying no to after-hours requests or reminding others of your availability.

How to Charge for Your Time

Your time is valuable, and knowing how to monetize it can be empowering. Here’s how:

• Use Scheduling Tools: Tools like Calendly allow you to effortlessly set up paid consultations. By integrating payment options, you clarify that your time is a valuable commodity.
• Tiered Pricing Models: Implement multi-level scheduling where different time slots or consultation types have different rates. This strategy maximizes revenue and allows you to manage your time more efficiently.
• Be Transparent: Clearly communicate your rates and the value you provide. This transparency helps set expectations and reinforces the worth of your time.
• Offer Value-Added Services: Consider what additional services or products you can offer to enhance your consultations. This could be follow-up reports or personalized action plans, which justify your pricing and provide extra value to your clients.

How to Say No to Uncompensated Time

Saying no is often one of the most complex skills to master, yet it is crucial for maintaining control over your schedule. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Recognize Opportunity Costs: Every minute spent on uncompensated work is time taken away from potentially more rewarding endeavors. Weigh the benefits of each opportunity against what you might have to give up.
• Politely Decline: Use phrases like, "I appreciate the opportunity, but I cannot commit at this time." This maintains professional courtesy while asserting your boundaries.
• Redirect Requests: Guide people toward other resources or colleagues who are more available to assist. This not only helps you manage your time but also supports your network.
• Reflect on Your Priorities: Regularly assess your commitments to ensure they align with your personal and professional goals. This practice helps you identify when to say no, reinforcing your commitment to valuing your time.

Here’s the thing . . .,

For women in leadership, valuing time is not just about managing it more efficiently—it is about reclaiming autonomy and setting a precedent for others to follow. By acknowledging the societal pressures that undervalue women's time, setting firm boundaries, monetizing your expertise, and confidently saying no, you empower yourself and inspire others to do the same. In doing so, you create a ripple effect that can transform how time is perceived and respected across all spheres of life. So, the next time you say, "I have a hard stop at…", know that you are not just marking the end of a meeting but championing the importance of your time and, ultimately, your worth.

Would you lie to discuss how to get others to value your time? Set up a time to talk. I'll see you around the pod!