Imagine for a moment that you're the general manager of a local, upscale grocery store that is part of a national chain.

You've just gotten word from corporate headquarters that all stores must install at least two self-checkout machines.

Research shows that the machines will pay for themselves within about a year, by reducing labor costs. But you believe that cutting jobs would put your store at a competitive disadvantage.

Instead of reducing your workforce, you'd like to transform those superfluous cashier jobs to service jobs in places such as the deli and the bakery.

In fact, you'd even like to add a childcare service for busy parents. You are convinced that the changes you envision could boost profits by a minimum of 5% in the first year.

Compose a persuasive letter to your manager at corporate headquarters, proposing that you test your approach for the first year after the self-checkout machines are installed in your store. Keep in mind that if the plan succeeds, your boss may roll it out nationwide, but if the plan fails, your personal and professional credibility may be at stake.