[pct-l] Obtaining a leave of absence

[Stephen]

Erik,
Good advise, very good.
When I was leaving town for long trips around Calif and elsewhere for weeks 
and months the old, "Do you want I should check in while I'm gone and give 
you a heads up when I will be returning?"  Seemed to work very well.  I 
ussually found the boss was pleased to hear I was having a good time and 
also would be eager to get back to work (not really but I like food).  I 
also like to ensure myself a little re-entry time upon arriving home.
Good luck,
Stephen
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erik The Black" <erik at eriktheblack.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Obtaining a leave of absence


> Here are a few tips that may help with negotiating a leave of absence with
> your boss:
>
> 1) Play out all of the possible outcomes in your head beforehand. What 
> will
> you do if your request is denied? Are there concessions you can make to 
> get
> them to yes? Are you willing to resign? Are you willing to bluff? What 
> will
> you do if your bluff is called?
>
> 2) Talk mostly about what the company has to gain by granting your 
> request,
> or what they have to lose if they deny it. Don't make it all about you. 
> Make
> it about them.
>
> 3) Have a response prepared for every objection. Don't go in there on just 
> a
> wing and a prayer. Here are some common objections to have answers for:
>
> **The Brush Off**
>
> "But we really need you here right now. Can you put it off for
> another few years?"
>
> **The Veiled Threat**
>
> "The economy is tough right now, many people are unemployed. Are you
> sure you want to give up your job?"
>
> **The Guilt Trip**
>
> "How can you do this to us right now? Haven't we always treated you
> well? Who will do your work while you are gone?"
>
> **The Ultimatum**
>
> "I'm sorry, but it's simply not possible at this time. It's beyond
> my control."
>
> 4) Keep it friendly and professional. Even if your request is denied and 
> you
> have to resign, leave on good terms. Let them know that when you return 
> you
> may be interested in working for them again, and that you will contact 
> them
> at the appropriate time to inquire about their needs.
>
> 5) If your request is denied and you are not willing to resign try to get
> them to agree to a specific date in the future, like the following year. 
> And
> hold them to it!
>
> You never want to leave the negotiation table without getting something,
> even if it's not exactly what you really wanted. If you walk out
> empty-handed you will have set a precedent and established yourself as
> someone who can be easily dismissed, and your future requests will carry
> less weight.
>
>
> Good luck!
>
>
> Erik The Black
> Author & Publisher
> Pacific Crest Trail Atlas
> www.pctatlas.com
>
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