CEO Problems

A fellow had just been hired as the new CEO of a large high tech corporation.  The former CEO
who was stepping down met with the new CEO privately and gave three numbered envelopes.
"Open these if you run up against a problem you don't think you can solve," said the former CEO.

Well, things went along pretty smoothly, but six months later, sales took a downturn.  The CEO 
was really catching a lot of heat.  About at wits' end, the CEO remembered the envelopes.
The CEO opened the first envelope.  The message read, "Blame your predecessor."

The CEO called a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO.
Satisfied with his comments, the press and Wall Street responded positively.  Sales began to
pick up and the problem was forgotten.

About a year later, the company was again experiencing a slight dip in sales, combined with
serious product problems.  Having learned from previous experiences, the CEO opened the second
envelope.  The message read, "Reorganize."  Done, and the company quickly rebounded.

After several consecutive profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times.
The CEO opened the third envelope.  The message read, "Prepare three envelopes."