How to Prepare for
Objections to Your Flexible Work
Arrangement Request
PLUS: The Six Common
Objections to Expect
How ready are you with well-scripted answers to each
question or objection your manager may have in response to
your proposal for a flexible work arrangement?
You may be tempted to skip this step.
Don’t. It’s like not being ready for a job interview.
Thorough preparation makes a positive impression on
the person behind the desk—in this case, your
manager.
You’re aiming for “Yes, I think we can work this out with the
plan you’ve presented.”
First, anticipate and think through likely questions or
objections.
Then, prepare and practice your replies.
A role-playing
session with a friend, or a supportive co-worker who is
familiar with your manager's temperament, is a useful
exercise.
To get you started, below are:
Six Common Objections
to Expect (and Where to Find the Answers)
OBJECTION #1:
“We've never done this before.” OR
“It's not our policy.”
OBJECTION #2:
“If I let you do it, what will happen if I
get a second request within the department? I can't let
two people within the department work alternative
schedules.”
OBJECTION #3:
“If I let you do it, everyone else will want
to do the same.”
OBJECTION #4:
“You're a manager...you can't telecommute
(or work four days, or part-time).”
OBJECTION #5:
“Your type of job can't be turned into a
flexible work arrangement.”
OBJECTION #6:
“Why do you want telecommute (or work four
days or part-time) anyway?”
Other possible objections would be specific to your job
and your employer. What are they? List them. Prepare and practice your responses.
You get SCRIPTED REPLIES to ALL six objections above
in your copy of
Flex Success,
a proposal template and planning guide
for getting a flexible work arrangement.
Read about it here or have it on
your desktop in six minutes from now. Start by
clicking the button below.
Note: Many successful Flex Success users have told me
that they were the first person to initiate a
non-traditional work arrangement within their department
or employer. That’s why they equipped themselves
with Flex Success.
Read some of their stories here.
So don't let Objection #1 keep you from getting what you
want and need for work/family balance!
Related Article:
Address objections before they come up
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