Description:

Have you ever found yourself solving a crisis you didn’t create? Taking on tasks you never agreed to? You’re not alone. In this episode, Michael explores the subtle but powerful difference between being trusted with a responsibility and being taken advantage of under the guise of delegation.

With the help of Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and classic leadership thinking (including the legendary “Who’s Got the Monkey?” article from Harvard Business Review), we unpack how and why we end up carrying burdens that aren’t ours. And more importantly, how to stop.

In this episode:

• A real-world story about workplace boundaries gone blurry
• Quotes from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca on protecting your time and energy
• Insights from Stephen Covey, Greg McKeown, and Brené Brown on priority-setting and empathy
• The emotional intelligence skills that help you say no, with grace
• Phrases you can use to draw healthy boundaries at work and in life

Takeaway:

Delegation is a sign of trust. Dumping is a misuse of it. The difference lies in how you respond. Your time, energy, and emotional bandwidth are valuable—guard them wisely.

🛠️ Resources & References:

• “Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?” by William Oncken Jr. and Donald L. Wass, Harvard Business Review
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
• Stoic quotes from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca