How to Tell Your Boss You Are Expecting
Sharing the news that you are expecting is exciting. But sharing the news with your employer can be nerve-racking. Instead of jumping into fear, enter the conversation from a place of joy.
Executive Mom Nest founder and working mom of three Marcy Stoudt offers these three suggestions for having THAT conversation with your boss.
1. Avoid Assumptions
No one can predict the future, so don't assume all the negative things of what you can or can't do when you return from maternity leave. Whether it's your first child or your fourth child, neither you nor your boss will know your mindset, support system, and desires once you return to work.
2. Be Empathetic
Don't overthink the conversation. Put aside your own viewpoint and see things from another person's perspective. The person on the other side of the desk will have honest questions and concerns on how deadlines and priorities will be handled while you navigate pregnancy, maternity leave, and child care. Explain what you know without overcommitting. It is also a great time to paint the picture of who you are, how you've performed, and promise that you will be open and transparent.
3. Plan on More Conversations
Maternity leave and new-mother conversations should be ongoing. Promising to be open and transparent with your boss will help her (or him) create a supportive environment for what you need when you need it. And, in return, invite your boss to be open with you so you can keep the lines of communication open, which also strengthens your relationship.
Expecting a child is exciting and everyone (including your boss) is more thrilled than you may think, especially if you are open and honest.
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Executive Mom Nest Founder, Marcy Stoudt is passionate about developing leaders, bringing teams together, and creating a work environment where people thrive. For the past 25 years, she has worked with hundreds of women and executives and has coached, taught, and inspired results through confidence and balance.
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