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Exercise #6
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 your employees begin telecommuting). By identifying solutions and an action plan for the problem listed below you will be able to circumvent many potential problems. You may also fill out this worksheet after you become more familiar with the telecommuting.

Directions for completing this exercise:

  1. In the Fact-Finding/Causes column identify the underlying causes of the problem 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 be to taken to solve the problem.
  4. In the Results column identify how you will know that 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 telecommuter, or with your telecommuter in a training class:

If you are a telemanager 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 the results with your telecommuter.

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

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

If you are a telemanager attending a training class

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

Problem-Solving Exercise



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

Because of the telecommuters' schedules, it is difficult to schedule any meetings.		 Tried to schedule group meetings and the telecommuters do not attend. Develop efficient communication channels so work productivity and the team don't fall apart. Schedule core days and hours.
Connect the telecommuters with technology.		 Attendance improves electronically or physically at group meetings.
Problem #2

The non-telecommuters do not support the program.



























Problem #3

The equipment at the Telecenter is not working



























Problem #4

The equipment at the Telecenter is not as good at the equipment in the office.



























Problem #5

My staff is more productive at the office.



























Problem #6

Upper management is not committed to the concept of telecommuting.



























Problem #7

My staff is not accessible when they work at the Telecenter.



























Problem #8

The telecommuters want to work at the Telecenter more often.



























Problem #9

It is just not working out for my staff.



























Problem #10

I am not sure if my staff is really working at the Telecenter.



























Problem #11



























Problem #12



























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