How to set boundaries at work — and save your sanity

Mike and Kim had worked together for many years at a large public broadcasting organization. He was a manager, and she was a senior attorney; they often collaborated but reported to different bosses. One day, during what seemed to be a routine conversation in Kim’s office, she cursed and berated Mike about his work. Afterwards, Mike faced a tough choice: risk escalating the conflict by speaking up about Kim’s inappropriate behavior or remain silent in hopes that that the outburst would be an isolated incident. Although this scenario may seem extreme, it’s a situation that many people encounter in the workplace, where too often people do not speak up for themselves and find that they’re treated with disrespect.