Once upon a time, there was a man who became in charge of a very important department within the organization. He took over from a 30-year veteran who was considered the world-class expert in his field. The incoming manager asked the retiring expert if he had any sage words of advice.
He responded by saying: "I took the time to prepare three envelopes for you, and they contain a summation of all that I have learned over the 30 years. When you get in trouble, simply open the top right drawer of your desk, where I put the envelopes, take out the first one and follow the advice. The next time, pull out number two. Finally, use number three--but be sure not to use that one unless things are really bad."
The new manager thought this was wonderful and thanked the old gentleman as he left off into his retirement.
Since the organization was finely tuned by the departing expert, no real problems were encoutered, but eventually things started to go south. The company CEO demanded answers and set up a meeting with the new executive. Figuring this was worth a peak at the envelopes, the first one was opened.
Blame your predecessor.
The executive thought about it, and decided since it came from this wise old man, he would do that--never mind that it meant tearing down this individual, his career was at stake. During the meeting the executive told the CEO that the issues were due to oversight and neglect by the departing executive, that he knew what the issues were, and that he was undertaking a plan to make things right.
And things got better. For a while.
About a year later things got bad again, worse than the first time, for this executive. Again the CEO was demanding an explanation, particularly since the executive told the CEO that he was undertaking an improvement plan--things weren't improving, they were getting worse. Again, answers were demanded.
Open that second envelope, the executive thought.
Reorganize.
Yes, that's it. He waxed poetically to the CEO about how the organization was fat, inefficient, and not able to take advantage of opportunities in its current shape. He would take of that by shaping the organization in a new way.
And that was done, but things did not get better, they got worse. Really bad. Sales by the company were plumetting, and it was the view of the CEO that the new executive was at fault. Knowing the first envelope succeeded, while the second didn't do so well, the executive thought, based on the fact his predecessor had been there 30 years, the third envelope would save him.
He opened the third envelope.
Prepare three envelopes.
People are calling in MADDER than heck to the local radio station.....the weather report DIDNT include the mention of snow.
So funny and so true! Thanks for the smile!