Initial Questions About the Situation
“How long do you think this will last?”
✓ Professional Response:
“The healthcare team is still developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Right now, they’ve indicated we should expect [X] weeks of intensive appointments. I’ll keep you updated as we get a clearer timeline, and I’m working to schedule appointments to minimize work disruption.”
“Is everything okay? Is this serious?”
✓ Balanced Response:
“We’re working with healthcare professionals to get my child the support they need. While the situation requires immediate attention, we have a good medical team in place. I prefer to keep the medical details private, but I’ll certainly let you know if anything changes that affects my work availability.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
✓ Diplomatic Response:
“I wanted to approach this conversation with a clear understanding of the situation and a concrete plan for managing my responsibilities. Now that we have medical appointments scheduled and I understand the initial requirements, I felt it was the right time to discuss the adjustments I’ll need.”
Questions About Work Impact
“How will you handle [specific project/deadline]?”
✓ Solution-Focused Response:
“I’ve already mapped out the project timeline against the known appointments. I can complete [specific tasks] between appointments, and I’ve spoken with [colleague] about providing backup for [specific components]. I’m happy to review this plan in detail with you.”
“Can you be reached during appointments?”
✓ Clear Boundary Response:
“During actual appointments, I need to be fully present for my child. However, I’ll check messages immediately before and after appointments, and I can list these times on my calendar. For truly urgent matters, [colleague] will have my emergency contact number.”
“Can you do the appointments outside work hours?”
✓ Professional but Firm Response:
“I’m scheduling appointments as flexibly as possible, but some providers only operate during business hours, and some appointments can’t be delayed. I’m committed to minimizing work disruption by [working early/late/remotely] to compensate for any time needed.”
Questions About Team Impact
“How should the team handle your absence?”
✓ Structured Response:
“I’ve prepared a coverage document outlining:
1. Regular status updates via [method]
2. [Colleague] as primary point of contact
3. Clear handoff procedures for time-sensitive tasks
4. Advance notice of appointments when possible
I’m happy to review this plan with the team.”
“What should we tell others who ask?”
✓ Simple Response:
“You can simply say I’m managing a family medical situation and am working flexibly to accommodate appointments. I appreciate helping maintain my family’s privacy while ensuring work continues smoothly.”
Questions About Future Impact
“Will this affect your ability to take on new projects?”
✓ Confident Response:
“I remain committed to my role and delivering quality work. I’ve carefully assessed my capacity, and I’m confident I can manage my current responsibilities and planned projects with these temporary schedule adjustments. I’ll be direct if I foresee any challenges.”
“What if this happens again?”
✓ Forward-Looking Response:
“I’m working with our healthcare providers to develop both immediate and long-term support strategies. I’m also creating better systems for managing unexpected situations. This experience will help me be even more prepared if future flexibility is needed.”
Questions About Support Needed
“What else can I/we do to help?”
✓ Appreciative Response:
“Thank you for asking. The main support I need right now is:
Flexibility for medical appointments
Clear communication channels
Understanding about occasional schedule changes
I really appreciate your willingness to work with me on this.”
“Do you need to reduce your hours/responsibilities?”
✓ Proactive Response:
“At this point, I believe I can manage my full workload with the schedule adjustments we discussed. I’m monitoring the situation carefully and will come to you proactively if I need to reassess this arrangement.”
General Tips for Answering Questions
Do:
- Stay focused on solutions
- Maintain professional tone
- Express appreciation for support
- Be clear about boundaries
- Follow up in writing when needed
Avoid:
- Sharing detailed medical information
- Making promises about outcomes
- Apologizing repeatedly
- Taking on guilt or shame
- Allowing boundaries to blur
Redirecting Overly Personal Questions
General Template:
“I appreciate your concern. While I prefer to keep the medical details private, what would be most helpful is [return to specific work arrangement needed].”
Sample Pivot:
“Thank you for asking. Rather than discuss the details, could we focus on finalizing the coverage plan for next week’s meetings?”