Being described as “easy to work with” is often seen as a compliment.
But over time, it can come with hidden costs:
• increased workload
• unclear expectations
• reduced negotiation power
What begins as collaboration can become overextension.
Example from my career
Earlier in my career, I was often willing to take on additional responsibilities to support the team.
Over time, those additional responsibilities became expected rather than optional.
That experience reinforced that professional generosity needs to be paired with clear boundaries.
Discussion
Have you ever found that being “easy to work with” came with unexpected costs?
Relevant SHIELD Pillars
H – Hold Boundaries Firmly
I – Initiate Interactions Intentionally