As a manager, supporting an employee who has been diagnosed with breast cancer can feel daunting. The journey through diagnosis and treatment is challenging not only for the patient but also for those who care about them, and knowing what to say and how to be supportive can be difficult. This is where AskEllyn steps in.
Having access to an understanding empathetic resource, like AskEllyn can be transformative for a manager or team lead. It’s as if you’ve been given a personal coach that can guide you on how to navigate conversations with your team member, provide you with insights into how to approach these sensitive circumstances with a supportive and compassionate hand.
Avoid Saying the Wrong Thing
AskEllyn can help you avoid saying the wrong thing, something we all fear when dealing with sensitive topics like a cancer diagnosis. By referencing Ellyn’s journey and actual conversations shared in her book “Flat Please”, AskEllyn gives you first-hand insights into the emotional perspective of someone impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. This will enable you to understand the mindset of your team member and better and help shape your conversations to be always empathetic and supportive.
A Private Place to Ask the Tough Questions
Privacy and confidentiality are two crucial aspects of AskEllyn. With her, conversations are kept private, offering a safe environment for managers to explore the breast cancer topic, ask the tough questions, rehearse conversations and seek knowledge. AskEllyn captures no data. Noone is listening on the other end. Having this kind of platform to glean insights -without worrying about intruding on personal boundaries is invaluable for employee and employer.
Expectation Setting for You and Your Team
Something else you’ll need to consider as a manager is setting appropriate expectations about your team member’s ability to work throughout their treatment. Please remember, every cancer journey is different and the energy levels and side effects can vary dramatically. While some employees may maintain regular work rhythms, others may need more flexibility. AskEllyn can provide insights into the ups and downs Ellyn experienced during the span of her treatment, giving you a glimpse into what your team member might be dealing with. Think of it as a way to plan resources and anticipate changes in work schedules with empathy and understanding, rather than guesswork.
Lead with empathy
Finally, managing is not just about commanding; it’s about understanding, supporting, and guiding. AskEllyn offers you a unique window into the emotional mindset and daily life of someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It will give you the context and knowledge you need to empathize and effectively support your team member on their journey.
Learning to navigate the terrain of a breast cancer diagnosis in the workplace is crucial in creating a supportive environment for your employee while maintaining and bolstering team spirit. Remember, as you engage with AskEllyn, like any other resource, match what you learn with an empathetic ear and genuine care for the human being on the other side of this challenging experience.
Curious to learn how AskEllyn can help you help a team member diagnosed with breast cancer? Check out the AskEllyn @ Work program.
