Disability: Either Yourself as PM or a Team Member
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSMVP - Technology Project Solutions Consultant| Bank of AmericaJacksonville, Fl, United States
The subject of a disability is often a sensitive issue both inside of work and outside. As a lifelong epileptic, I have been vocal/open with all persons. A typical absence seizure is characterized by my staring with a blank expression on my face for 0.5 to 1.0 seconds. I want my teams to know the "void" is normal and not to be alarmed. I don't encourage team members to disclose any health issue(s) and this is their free choice.
Have any of you experienced like situations? Saving Changes...
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Andy KaufmanHost| People and Projects PodcastLake Zurich, Il, United States
During my childhood days my best friend had these type of absence seizures, typically lasting 1-2 minutes. Once we knew the situation, it was no big deal. We just waited and carried on as if nothing happened.
I applaud you for your predisposition to self-disclose. It's likely easier for everyone. As you suggest, it's always up to the individual regarding how much they disclose.
Perhaps some people have a tendency toward too much self-disclosure while others remain more private. I wonder if a guiding principle might be, "What information is necessary for us as a team to work at our best?" And if there's a safety component to it (e.g. a diabetic condition that, if a teammate sees the person heading towards shock), disclosure might just be lifesaving....
Thank you for starting this conversation, John!
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1 reply by John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM
Apr 24, 2016 7:51 AM
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM
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Andy, I applaud your reply and oddly, when I was younger, I too had the type your friend experienced where my seizures would last approximately two minutes.
I agree also that some people have a tendency to self-disclose and I hope people never feel a sense to divulge a private issue if another person should step forward. In the ideal world, its comforting to know what aide we can provide before paramedics arrive (using your diabetic shock example) too lessen the discomfort of a situation.
Thank you for your reply.
John
Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I like the idea of self-disclosure as well. I remember doing a humorous speech where I was suggesting implants to propel the patient to their feet. I was chastised by a member of my club for my "incorrectness" in front of a fellow paraplegic member. When I broached the subject with him, he told me he was not offended and told me to leave it in the speech.
Perhaps this situation would have been avoided if my wheeling friend had set the record straight to the whole club as to what he deemed appropriate or not?
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1 reply by John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM
Apr 24, 2016 7:59 AM
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM
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Stephane, this community can always count on you for your value add to all comments, thanks. I feel most certain your "wheeling friend" could have eased the moment of your real-life example if he had "greased-the-skids", advise in advance what is appropriate.
This example truly epitomizes our society today about the fragile conversations we engage in as not to offend. Example, I have zero issue with a person asking me anything about epilepsy, even if its a stigma they should require clarification.
The inverse is offensive in most companies of size and will land a person a quick discussion with their Human Resources personnel.
Self-disclosure is fine because your really want to inform your employed and team members about how to handle the situation. If it is not impacting others in any manner, you need not to disclose any thing.
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1 reply by John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM
Apr 24, 2016 8:01 AM
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM
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Pravin, I agree my above replies, self disclosure is important especially when this will assist with first aide. Thanks for your reply.
Saving Changes...
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSMVP - Technology Project Solutions Consultant| Bank of AmericaJacksonville, Fl, United States
Apr 23, 2016 6:09 PM
Replying to Andy Kaufman
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During my childhood days my best friend had these type of absence seizures, typically lasting 1-2 minutes. Once we knew the situation, it was no big deal. We just waited and carried on as if nothing happened.
I applaud you for your predisposition to self-disclose. It's likely easier for everyone. As you suggest, it's always up to the individual regarding how much they disclose.
Perhaps some people have a tendency toward too much self-disclosure while others remain more private. I wonder if a guiding principle might be, "What information is necessary for us as a team to work at our best?" And if there's a safety component to it (e.g. a diabetic condition that, if a teammate sees the person heading towards shock), disclosure might just be lifesaving....
Thank you for starting this conversation, John!
Andy, I applaud your reply and oddly, when I was younger, I too had the type your friend experienced where my seizures would last approximately two minutes.
I agree also that some people have a tendency to self-disclose and I hope people never feel a sense to divulge a private issue if another person should step forward. In the ideal world, its comforting to know what aide we can provide before paramedics arrive (using your diabetic shock example) too lessen the discomfort of a situation.
Thank you for your reply.
John Saving Changes...
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSMVP - Technology Project Solutions Consultant| Bank of AmericaJacksonville, Fl, United States
Apr 23, 2016 10:34 PM
Replying to Stéphane Parent
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I like the idea of self-disclosure as well. I remember doing a humorous speech where I was suggesting implants to propel the patient to their feet. I was chastised by a member of my club for my "incorrectness" in front of a fellow paraplegic member. When I broached the subject with him, he told me he was not offended and told me to leave it in the speech.
Perhaps this situation would have been avoided if my wheeling friend had set the record straight to the whole club as to what he deemed appropriate or not?
Stephane, this community can always count on you for your value add to all comments, thanks. I feel most certain your "wheeling friend" could have eased the moment of your real-life example if he had "greased-the-skids", advise in advance what is appropriate.
This example truly epitomizes our society today about the fragile conversations we engage in as not to offend. Example, I have zero issue with a person asking me anything about epilepsy, even if its a stigma they should require clarification.
The inverse is offensive in most companies of size and will land a person a quick discussion with their Human Resources personnel. Saving Changes...
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSMVP - Technology Project Solutions Consultant| Bank of AmericaJacksonville, Fl, United States
Apr 23, 2016 11:34 PM
Replying to Pravin Kumar Shrivastava
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Self-disclosure is fine because your really want to inform your employed and team members about how to handle the situation. If it is not impacting others in any manner, you need not to disclose any thing.
Pravin, I agree my above replies, self disclosure is important especially when this will assist with first aide. Thanks for your reply. Saving Changes...
