While joining new CEO met with the previous CEO, who privately gave him 3-envelopes. “Open these in case you can’t solve a problem,” he said. Six months later, sales took a downturn. About at his wit’s end, he remembered the envelopes. He took out the 1st envelope. It read, “Blame your predecessor.” The CEO tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO. The press responded positively, sales began to pick up and the problem was resolved. About a year later, the company was again experiencing dip in sales. Having learned, the CEO quickly opened 2nd envelope. The message read, “Reorganize.” He did, and the company quickly rebounded. After many profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times. The CEO quickly opened the 3rd envelope. The message said, “Prepare three envelopes.”
