Three Envelopes
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A new manager spends a week at his new office with the
manager he is replacing. On the last day the departing
manager tells him, "I have left three numbered envelopes in
the desk drawer. Open an envelope if you encounter a crisis
you can't solve."
Three months down the track there is major drama, everything
goes wrong - the usual stuff - and the manager feels very
threatened by it all.
He remembers the parting words of his predecessor and opens
the first envelope. The message inside says "Blame your
predecessor!" He does this and gets off the hook.
About half a year later, the company is experiencing a dip
in sales, combined with serious product problems. The
manager quickly opens the second envelope. The message read,
"Reorganize!" This he does, and the company quickly
rebounds.
Three months later, at his next crisis, he opens the third
envelope. The message inside says "Prepare three envelopes"
