Thomas Winger (Manager) - Hey Debbie, I need a new computer.

Debbie Baker (IT) - Ok, what do you need?

Thomas - You know, the basics: keyboard, mouse, Microsoft Office, etc.

Debbie - Not a problem, but you can't have a mouse.

Thomas - You're kidding, right? Why can't I have a mouse?

Debbie - No, I'm not kidding. And you can't have one because it's not needed.

Thomas - It's not needed?!? How am I supposed to use the computer if I don't have a mouse?

Debbie - You can use the keyboard, of course. Everything you require to do your job can be done with a keyboard; just use Tab, Shift-Tab, arrow keys, Start button, etc.

Thomas - So you're telling me that if I need to open a Word document on my computer...

Debbie - Use your keyboard. If it's on your desktop you can Tab over to the document and then press the Enter key.

Thomas - I don't understand, what's the reasoning behind this? It'll be a lot more work without a mouse.

Debbie - It shouldn't be more work, and the reason is that it's not a necessary expense. The company can't be wasting money on items that aren't necessary.

Thomas - But it is necessary. Besides, how much is it, like $10?

Debbie - No, you're wrong, it's unnecessary. And yeah, it's $10, but $10 here and $10 there for unnecessary items really adds up.

Thomas - Okay, let's look at this somewhat rationally for a moment. I can easily get an extra 10% of work accomplished during my workday with the use of a mouse, compared to just using a keyboard. That 10% of extra work in a single day would easily pay for the mouse many times over, not to mention how the benefit would continue on an ongoing basis.

Debbie - I don't think that's a strong enough argument.

Thomas - Ok, how about the fact that every corporation in the world provides their employees with keyboards AND mice?

Debbie - That's beside the point, the economy has been slowing down and our company has had a decrease in computer usage over the past year.

Thomas - Even if that were the case, which I don't completely agree with, you still haven't provided a really valid reason for your rationale.

Debbie - I just did.

Thomas - Fine, I'll just buy my own damn mouse.

Debbie - Sorry, you can't use unapproved peripherals with company equipment.

Thomas - This is crazy!

Debbie - You need to change your tone and stop being so unreasonable with your demands.