Territories.
We all have them to some degree – that defined space within well laid out boundaries, even if those boundaries exist only in our minds to define a sense of belonging. In work, it’s our responsibilities, industry knowledge and even the physical space including office resources, supplies and people. In our social lives it could be a friend or group of friends, personality traits (you know, ‘the funny one’ or ‘the smart one’) or a favorite pub or club.
I’m sure you can relate. When that new person starts to feel a little too comfortable in the office and begins to step on toes. (He should stick to what he knows!). Or, when someone new moves to town and catches the attention of your friends (‘She’s really outdoorsy.’, ‘He’s a lot of fun to be around!). Don’t they know that’s your role?