An old corporate joke has it that the outgoing CEO of a company that was in difficulties handed his successor three numbered envelopes and told him to open them should he run into trouble, starting with the first. 

Three months into the job the new CEO opened the first and found a note that read: “Blame your predecessor.” When this didn’t work a few months later he opened the second: “Restructure.” Then the last: “Prepare three envelopes.” ..

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