Empirical Cane
We are what we repeatedly do.
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2018
- Messages
- 45,179
I'm sure several have heard this story before, but I feel its appropriate to retell...
A CEOs gets announced and takes over a struggling company. His predecessor, on the way out, says if you ever need advice, look in the top drawer, I left you 3 letters ordered #1, #2, and #3.
After 6 months, the new CEO faces a performance crisis. Thinking he can handle it, makes more of a mess, and then late one night opens letter #1.
"If you [new CEO] are reading this, blame me [old CEO], fix the problem, and move on."
The new CEO holds a staff meeting then on to Board of Directors where he says, "we've uncovered some legacy issues, but don't worry, my leadership team has it under control." All nod in agreement and press on.
Fast forward another 6 months to another performance crisis. Since the #1 worked, he immediately goes to the drawer for #2.
"If you [new CEO] are reading this, fire your mid-level managers and VPs, announce a reorganization, fix the problem, and move on."
The CEO axes several people (some deserved, some not), reorganizes his organizational structure, holds staff meetings and reports to the Board of Directors. There is nodding, but eyebrows are raised.
Now, 6 more months have gone by and yet another poor performance crisis faces the organization. The CEO calls his secretary to immediately bring him letter #3.
He opens it, and reality sinks in.
"If you [new CEO] are reading this, start writing 3 letters for your successor. Better luck next time."
My guess is Manny opened #2 on his way to post game pressor tonight...
A CEOs gets announced and takes over a struggling company. His predecessor, on the way out, says if you ever need advice, look in the top drawer, I left you 3 letters ordered #1, #2, and #3.
After 6 months, the new CEO faces a performance crisis. Thinking he can handle it, makes more of a mess, and then late one night opens letter #1.
"If you [new CEO] are reading this, blame me [old CEO], fix the problem, and move on."
The new CEO holds a staff meeting then on to Board of Directors where he says, "we've uncovered some legacy issues, but don't worry, my leadership team has it under control." All nod in agreement and press on.
Fast forward another 6 months to another performance crisis. Since the #1 worked, he immediately goes to the drawer for #2.
"If you [new CEO] are reading this, fire your mid-level managers and VPs, announce a reorganization, fix the problem, and move on."
The CEO axes several people (some deserved, some not), reorganizes his organizational structure, holds staff meetings and reports to the Board of Directors. There is nodding, but eyebrows are raised.
Now, 6 more months have gone by and yet another poor performance crisis faces the organization. The CEO calls his secretary to immediately bring him letter #3.
He opens it, and reality sinks in.
"If you [new CEO] are reading this, start writing 3 letters for your successor. Better luck next time."
My guess is Manny opened #2 on his way to post game pressor tonight...
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