Tell your employer And/Or Boss
"Most crises take up time and energy, and therefore will have an impact on your work," says Marjie Terry of Great on the Job. "Whenever you anticipate your work being affected, you need to inform your boss or employer."
Don't Share Too Much Or Too Little
Ann Kaiser Stearns, Ph.D., best-selling author of Living Through Personal Crisis (Idyll Arbor Press, 2010) and noted professor of psychology, agrees that the information shared is best limited to the basic details. Why? The more you disclose the more easily your vulnerabilities and reactions can be scrutinized and misconstrued. People cope in different ways with personal crisis so that what is actually a strength, often is viewed as weakness. It is virtually never a good idea to share family financial worries or legal problems, substance abuse or mental health issues; personal matters still stigmatized all too often by employers.
Tell Co-Workers And Clients On A Need-To-Know Basis
"I would only tell co-workers who you know well and you have that kind of trusting relationship with," says Deborah Shane, a career author, featured writer, speaker and media and marketing consultant. "Having a small support team at work is very helpful during crisis times." But she says to take extreme caution, as co-workers may betray your confidence.
As far as clients go, they typically do not need to know about your personal crisis, Terry says. "Unless you are very senior in your organization or you have an extremely close relationship with a client where they will be noticeably impacted by your absence, you do not need to tell them. Your team should be able to cover for you, so there's no need to give your client cause for concern."
Stay Positive And Keep Your Emotions In Check
"Keep your poise and positive attitude and act as best you can daily," Shane says. Try to keep your emotions under control, adds Nancy Collamer, a career coach at MyLifestyleCareer.com. "If possible, wait to speak with your employer until you've had a chance to settle your nerves and reflect on the situation. The last thing you want to do is dissolve into a puddle of tears in your boss's office. It can be helpful to rehearse the conversation ahead of time with a trusted friend."
Take Time Off
Work can provide much needed distraction from your personal crisis, but if you can't focus on work because the crisis is too overwhelming emotionally or just really needs all your time and attention, you're best to take time off, says Maggie Mistal, a career consultant, radio host and speaker. The savviest professionals know when to take themselves out of the game. This will only help others know what they can and can't count on your for during your difficult time.
Photo Credit: www.humblypeaxlove.net