How to set boundaries with your CEO to create a productive and balanced work relationship.

At Second First, we know that managing the delicate balance between supporting a visionary CEO and maintaining your own work-life harmony can be tricky for seconds-in-command. In this week’s episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, we focus on how to set clear, mutually beneficial boundaries that ensure you’re delivering your best work while protecting your time.

Boundaries are not about restricting access or flexibility. Rather, they’re about creating clear expectations for how to achieve the best results in your role. We encourage COOs to think about what work-life fit looks like for them personally and what hours they expect to be available to their CEO. It’s equally important to recognize your “sacred time” – moments that should remain completely off-limits, whether for family or personal rejuvenation.

Today, Megan walks through practical steps to clarify expectations, navigate difficult conversations, and set yourself up for long-term success in your role, while still being available when it truly matters.

You'll hear all about:

• 00:44 – Framing boundaries as a way to enhance productivity, not limit flexibility.
• 01:35 – Get clear on what work-life balance or work-life fit looks like for you.
• 02:19 – Establishing expectations for availability between you and your CEO.
• 02:52 – The importance of setting boundaries to protect personal relationships.
• 03:17 – Creating agreements for handling communication outside of normal work hours.
• 03:40 – Identifying and protecting your “sacred time” where you are completely unavailable.
• 05:05 – Addressing misaligned tasks that don’t fit with your natural abilities or goals.
• 06:00 – Commit to staying refreshed and recharged to perform at your best.

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