Requesting Flexible Work: Two Big Mistakes to Avoid
Let's face it. Approaching your manager to request a
flexible work schedule can be nerve-wracking,
especially if you lack a well-defined plan.
What? No plan?
You can plan on rejection of your request if you make
the following two big mistakes. Take these steps to
avoid them. Mistake #1: “Winging It”
I read somewhere that “impulsiveness is the mother of
regret.” Isn't that a great line?
So even though you need more time and balance now because you're...
- tired of the hectic juggling of work and personal needs
- tired of weekends filled only with chores and errands
- and just plain tired!
...don't let your sense of urgency lead you into the
proposal rejection trap.
Even reasonable managers can get irrational when it
comes to non-traditional work schedules.
First, you risk an outright dismissal of the idea.
Or you might get an initial off-the-cuff, favorable
response. Then, days later, your manager might dismiss the
idea as unworkable. She may get second thoughts, or
after suggesting the idea to her manager, be
overruled.
Either way, the opportunity to present and negotiate
your case has just slipped away like sand through your
fingers!
How to Avoid Mistake #1
Set an appointment with your manager to present and discuss
your proposal. And, be as prepared as you would be for
an important job interview or business presentation.
Mistake #2
Whether you research and write your own, or go the
proven, time-saving route with the WorkOptions Proposal Package, a written proposal is critical
to getting approval of your request.
Without a well-organized document, you sap the muscle
out of your flexible work request strategy. Here's how:
Having no proposal document deflates the seriousness
of your request and the strength of your desire.
Sure, your manager claims to be rational, but the truth is,
even the most objective managers weigh decisions on some
emotional level.
Thorough preparation in the form of a first-rate
proposal reflects intensity of purpose and desire.
These are very persuasive elements. Translation: a YES is more likely.
Having no proposal document leaves your
manager with
doubts about ill-defined issues.
When faced with
a non-traditional work schedule request, a
hard-to-acknowledge fear of losing control has many
managers reacting with a knee-jerk refusal.
Your written proposal provides concrete comfort to
help relieve your manager's doubts and fears, and it
makes rejection of the request more difficult to argue
down. The structure and content of the WorkOptions Proposal Package
are a major strength in this regard.
Having no proposal document leaves your
manager
ill-equipped when answering questions from superiors if
higher-level approval is needed.
Yet, if you equip your
manager with a ready reference and
specific replies to likely questions, she's more likely
to press your case.
How to Avoid Mistake #2
Whether you prepare your own or use the
WorkOptions Proposal Package, DO prepare a written proposal for your manager's reference.
Detail all the major issues that will put him or her
at ease enough to agree with your plan.
Written? Yes! A document spelling out all the details
wins the boss over.
And a solid plan allows you to confidently negotiate
for what you want.
If you prefer the short-cut route to developing a convincing
proposal, get the WorkOptions
Proposal Package. Learn more using the chart below.
Flexible Work and Work-Life Balance Can Be a Reality Sooner Than You Think
“My proposal was accepted and approved
within two weeks...it was so professional, detailed and well-written
that no one even asked any questions!” Caren Helms,
Engineer, Underwriters Laboratories, Raleigh, NC
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