How Not to Telecommute

This sad tale of woe is to remind you to lay the groundwork first. Someone I know wanted to work from home on a regular basis, and was given a few opportunities to prove itself (I can't say if it's a male or female, so we'll stick with 'it'). Itself wouldn't do the work, nor would It answer it's cellphone. There was always an excuse such as "oh the battery ran out on my cellphone, and I didn't realize it." The first time, I buy it. The second time, I don't. Lesson: if given the opportunity, over-deliver. Make it seem like you're going to be super-productive (which you are since you won't be distracted by the water cooler talk). Lesson: Don't lie, either.

So, for every week It was there, It asked if It could telecommute. EVERY WEEK. When It's manager was gone on vacation for two weeks, It even had the audacity to ask It's boss' boss if It could telecommute. Lesson: when told no, don't keep asking hoping it will become a 'yes.' First address the issue of why it was a 'no' to begin with.

And the last lesson is: when told no, do not phone in saying you're telecommuting that morning testing your VPN when you weren't authorized to receive VPN.

It's very important to be up front and do your absolute best. Address the reasons of No to get to Yes.