This is really good advice, Susan - we've all been there and I appreciate the concrete examples you've given.

I don't think I've ever said these words out loud - "so let me get this straight. You're asking me to take precious time away from my family to do work you deem critical to the success of your company? And you want me to do it because it's important to you?"

I'm pretty sure I've never said those words out loud...

(Yours are much better :)