Our recent Balancing Work & Cancer webinar, Communicating Effectively: Part 1, took place on August 7th. CAC's assistant director of programs Nicole Jarvis led a crucial discussion on enhancing communication skills in the workplace, particularly in the context of navigating a cancer diagnosis. Effective communication is key to success and achieving goals in addition to helping you balance work with treatment and managing side effects.
During the webinar, Nicole emphasized the importance of clear communication and outlined why it is essential for fostering a supportive work environment. Clear communication helps in setting expectations, minimizing misunderstandings, and building stronger professional relationships. She also highlighted how communication can be a powerful tool for managing the unique challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.
The discussion covered three main areas:
- Understanding Effective Communication: Nicole explained that effective communication involves not just sharing information clearly but also listening actively. It’s about ensuring that your message is understood as intended and being open to feedback.
- Identifying Personal Communication Styles: Each individual has a unique communication style. Recognizing your own style and understanding how it impacts others can help in adjusting your approach to be more effective. Using Murphy’s Four Styles of Communication, Nicole provided strategies for adapting your communication style to different situations and audiences.
- Disclosure Considerations at Work and Online: Navigating the decision of how much to disclose about your health at work can be complex. Nicole discussed various factors to consider, including privacy, the impact on your professional relationships (present & future), and the potential need for support. She also touched on how to manage disclosures in online settings, where communication can be less personal and more public. Remember that disclosure is a spectrum!
Overall, the session provided valuable insights into how thoughtful communication can ease the stress of balancing work with a cancer diagnosis. Whether you’re managing interactions with coworkers, supervisors, or handling disclosures, the strategies discussed are designed to help you navigate these conversations with greater confidence and clarity.
We are looking forward to Part 2 of this series, on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT, where we will continue exploring advanced communication strategies and techniques to further support your professional journey. If you missed Part 1, you can watch the archived recording here, though it is not required to have attended Part 1 to understand Part 2. Click here for more information or to register!
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