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Exercise #7
Problem Solving and Discovering Opportunities

The following exercise will help you find solutions to problems and opportunities for telecommuting that may arise prior to working at the Telecenter (or after you begin telecommuting). By identifying solutions and an action plan for the problems listed below, you will be able to circumvent many potential problems. You may also fill out this worksheet after you become more familiar with telecommuting.

Directions for completing this exercise:

  1. In the Fact-Finding/Causes column identify some of the underlying causes of the problem/opportunity that is listed.
  2. In the Action Plan column list a general action plan.
  3. In the Implementation Tasks column identify specific steps that need to be taken to resolve the problem.
  4. In the Results column identify how you will know the problem has been resolved.
  5. Review the first row of this worksheet for a sample.

The following instructions explain how to complete this exercise alone, with your telemanager, or with your your manager in a training class:

If you are a telecommuter reviewing this as a self-guided manual

  1. Make sure you have identified specific steps for resolving any problems. Quite often it is the implementation tasks that are the most important aspect of this exercise.
  2. Share your results with your supervisor.

If you and your telemanager are reviewing the self-guided manuals

  1. Fill out the worksheet together.
  2. Review the possible solutions together.

If you are a telecommuter attending a training class

  1. Fill out the worksheet according to the instructors' directions.
  2. Share your results with the group.

Problem-Solving Exercises

Identify Problem Fact-Finding/Causes Action Plan Implementation Tasks Evaluation/Results
Problem #1

My supervisor is not committed to the program.		 I haven't been able to start telecommuting.
My supervisor makes excuses so I can't telecommute.		 Convince supervisor that telecommuting will work.
Present supervisor with documentation of telecommuting successes.		 Propose a trial telecommuting day. Ability to telecommute on a consistent basis for a month.
Problem #2

My co-workers are not supportive.









Problem #3

The equipment at the Telecenter isn't working.









Problem #4

The equipment at the Telecenter isn't as good as the equipment in the office.









Problem #5

I am more productive at the office.









Problem #6

My employer is not committed to the concept of telecommuting.









Problem #7

I feel that when I'm telecommuting, there's too much pressure from the office to be more productive.









Problem #8

I have not been able to start telecommuting yet.









Problem #9

I can't schedule meetings as easily with my co-workers.









Problem #10

My supervisor thinks I'm not accessible when I work at the Telecenter.









Problem #11

I wish I could work at the Telecenter more often.









Problem #12

I miss the office. It's just not working out.









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