Extra Vacation Leave: Make the RequestSo far, you've determined the number of extra vacation leave weeks to negotiate and the most expedient path to getting them approved by your employer. Of course, your manager won't be offering you extra vacation leave, so the next step is to make your request. Even if you feel edgy about asking, it's imperative that you follow through. Perspective and preparation will help you overcome nervousness about asking. Get Perspective About Your RequestTaking leave without pay (LWOP) for a vacation is probably an out-of-the-ordinary request from your manager's point of view. But let me encourage you about the likelihood of getting your manager's consent. Since 1993, and especially after going online with WorkOptions.com in 1997, I've seen thousands of professionals get agreement for an out-of-the-ordinary (for their manager) flexible work schedule. Many were the first to get a flexible schedule where they work. So it's easier to forge a solution by having the employee work say, four days a week, than none at all because s/he left to go to another employer. So granting flexible work becomes a savvy management strategy. That's what I've seen over and over again. Your Extra Vacation Leave LeverageYour negotiating leverage is probably better than you think it is. Keep in mind, in each case a written proposal outlining the business case for the request was presented. For extra vacation leave, you're going to do something similar, yet simpler, using a memo. We'll get to it in a minute. But the same premise applies: It's better to retain you as a productive, engaged employee for 47 weeks a year (assuming three weeks earned vacation leave + two weeks of LWOP vacation leave) than to have you zero (0) weeks because you left to work where you can get the time off you want. As a reliable baby boomer employee with years—um, lots of years—of experience, and one who has established your value by contributing to departmental goals, you're in a solid position to make a reasonable request for a couple added weeks off during the year. So ask. Preparation Helps Seal SuccessThorough preparation reflects intensity of purpose and desire. Even managers who claim to be rational weigh decisions on some emotional level. You're more likely to get agreement by supplementing your well-rehearsed petition with a well-crafted memo, printed and signed. It's a simple yet high-impact way to convey the seriousness and strength of your petition for the added weeks off. Timing Tips• Ask for the added time only if you've worked long enough with your manager to gain his or her trust and respect for you as a employee. You know, all those things I mentioned above: reliable and productive, with well-established value to your department. • If want both Fridays Off and Extra Vacation, aim for getting agreement for the added weeks off first. Then ask for Fridays Off after a reasonable time period. (Knowing your boss and circumstances, you're the best judge of "reasonable"). There will probably be less resistance to accepting your proposals in that order. Exception: if you plan to redesign your position into job sharing, do that first; answering questions about work coverage during your vacation is easier if a job partner is in place. • Ask after you've completed an important project that made the boss look good. Or you might have more negotiating leverage if you make your request as you're nearing the completion of a project. It highlights your value. • Ask at the end of your annual performance review, assuming it's favorable, of course. More About the MemoYour choice of words is crucial. Preparation includes precision. For example: • How do you request more vacation time without sounding like a slacker? • How do you highlight your many years of experience without sounding like an oldster? • How do you present your case with confidence, yet without sounding presumptuous? The Extra Vacation Leave Memo Template I've crafted for you addresses those three issues.
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