Three Envelopes

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Bob is hired as a mid-level accounting manager.  It's his first time as a manager, and he's quite proud that he finally has an office.

On his first day of work, Bob is looking through his new desk and finds three envelopes in the top drawer.  They are banded together, marked #1, #2 and #3.  Across the front it states "IMPORTANT!  To be opened only in case of emergency!"  The man has lots of work to, so he pushes the envelopes back in the drawer and forgets about them.

A year goes, and Bob has settled into his job.  He is generally considered a very good manager, but then disaster strikes.  A very large error is discovered in his team's procedures that cost the company a great deal of money.  Naturally, Bob gets a call from the CFO who asks him to come up to his office.  Panic stricken, Bob suddenly remembers the envelopes.  Knowing his boss is waiting, he quickly opens the drawer and starts tossing stuff out until he finds the envelopes.  He tears open Envelope #1.  He finds a small piece of paper, with but three words.  "Blame your predecessor."  At first he's upset, then realizes this is the answer to his troubles.  He goes up to the CFO's office and explains that the procedures his predecessor created were seriously lacking.  He then explains that he has revised the procedures, and is confident there will be no further issues.  The CFO is pleased and gives Bob a raise.

Another year goes by and Bob is doing even better.  The CFO tells everyone what a great job Bob is doing.  Then, of course, another problem arises.  Bob remembers the envelopes, and wonders if the second envelope can help him.  Three more words, "Blame your subordinates."  Bob explains to the CFO that his subordinates were not following the new procedures Bob put in place.  He has fired one employee, given another a written warning, and given a bonus to the employee that was properly following procedure.  He is sure that will set the proper tone, and procedures will be followed exactly from this point forward.  Once again the CFO is impressed, and gives Bob another raise.

Three years go by, and it's clear that Bob is the heir apparent to the CFO.  His department has run flawlessly, and his wife is looking at large, expensive houses.  Once again, however, a large error is found in Bob's department.  This time he isn't worried.  He calmly pulls out envelope #3, knowing that his problems will be solved.  Poor Bob was totally unprepared for the three words he found. 

"Prepare three envelopes"