How would you approach this one?

[Gorski]

I work at University and I've looked into the possibility of working from home at least once a week. I approached my supervisor and laid down the negotiation without a catch (Explaining sincerely and truthfully that while taking a couple of days off the week before, I actually found my focus and productivity increased..naturally). He seemed okay with the idea...except that he, even being a director of a department, was unable to grant it because the University's policies explain that work from home agreements must be considered and approved by the President of the University. Obviously there will be gatekeepers and some red tape to do just that. What are some creative ways to go about this? How would you do it?

[AlexMoen]

It sounds like the director should just put in his word for you with the president. I'm assuming the director is the rung below the president, or that he at least knows the president. See if you can get the director to talk with the president, or if you can write up an email and get his written approval on it and forward it to the president himself. It sounds like, at the very least, there is a vague process set up for this, so try and at least have your director get it started if you're worried about doing it yourself.