Flexible Work: Get the Scoop on Your Employer: Pre-Proposal Planning
Checklist
Complete this flexible work planning checklist to give you the information
needed to strengthen your negotiating position.
The approach and tone of your proposal for a flexible work arrangement should
be tailored to match the environment of your workplace and your manager's style.
This is “excellent homework for wannabes,” according to The
Wall Street Journal's Work & Family column, and it will help prepare you to fill
in the blanks of your WorkOptions Proposal Package (see left menu).
 I've
obtained and reviewed a copy of my employer's latest employee manual. (Hard copy
or on the employer's Intranet site.)
I've
checked the manual for flexible work policies and reviewed their provisions
thoroughly.
I've
researched/reviewed company literature to study my employer's mission statements
or company credo and considered how they could be aligned with my new flexible
work arrangement.
I've
pulled the language used in these statements for possible inclusion in my
proposal.
Pat’s Tactical Tip: This is a powerful method for blocking objections or
rejections. Using their (your employer's) words to build your case makes it
difficult to refuse your proposal. Insert these quotes in the “Introduction”
section of your WorkOptions Proposal Package.
I've
asked around my workplace to find out who has a flexible work arrangement on a
formal or informal basis.
Pat’s Tactical Tip: Build your case on its own merits, yes, but finding
precedents within your workplace can be a comfort point for your manager and
thus another powerful negotiation strategy towards approval. Citing flexible
work arrangements within your profession and/or industry—especially
competitors—can also be effective.
I've
asked those who have such arrangements how they obtained them, how it's working
out, advice for successful proposal acceptance, etc.
I've
observed over time what type of response my manager gives to occasional special
requests and/or accommodations in family emergency situations.
I've
determined which of my superiors and/or my manager's superiors would have to
approve my proposal.
Know Your Manager!
No matter what, I'll need the support and approval of my immediate manager,
so...
I've
observed him/her over time to determine the best way to present new ideas such
as this proposal.
For example, does s/he:
- Seem to prefer discussing new ideas in the morning or afternoon?
- Act more relaxed and receptive in the beginning, middle or the end of
the week? In the morning or afternoon?
- Seem to prefer receiving information face-to-face or in written form?
Outline form or compositional? Detailed or bottom-line concise?
- Have current major work pressures that would cause me to reconsider my
timing, or to slant my proposal such that it could help the situation?
- Like to have ownership of new ideas (as if s/he thought of it), so that
I should ask for advice and input on my proposal?
A systematic approach to completing this checklist is a sure way to
strengthen your negotiating position.
Next Step? Redesign Your Job into a Flexible Work Arrangement
The second of two pre-proposal steps found in the WorkOptions Proposal
Package equips you with the customized portion of your proposal.
Or you can do it here before your purchase: Continue
your planning by redesigning your job. Or...
|
