To: Andyco Employees
From: Andy 5th, CEO
Subject: Making the Tough Choices
Date: January 21, 2002
Dear Andyco Employee,
Over this past weekend, I was deer-hunting
with my close friend, Count Vjork Minndeer Vandeersmishen the
7th, on my 1500 acre country estate "Ten Chimneys".
And yes, I know it's not deer season, but let's just say that
our local conservation officer is a lover of fine Bordeaux, and
enjoyed the rare 1996 Chateau Mouton Rothschild I sent him for
Christmas.
Anyway, after tracking a nice sized buck
for much of the afternoon to no avail -- we were ready to trade
it all in for a warm fire and a rousing game of Canasta.
So we started hiking back to the mansion,
and that's when we saw him. The most magnificent 12-point buck
you could ever imagine. Count Vjork motioned for me to take position.
I slowly went down on one knee and loaded my rifle. He was no
further than 75 yards away -- and as I rose my old Browning and
peered through the scope, I could see his breath -- billowing
out of his giant snout, in white clouds of steam. That's when
I realized I was peering at the Count, and I redirected my aim
at the large buck.
I took aim. I began to squeeze the trigger.
And then I paused. And at that moment, I thought to myself...
what if I DON'T shoot this amazing creature? What if we were
to walk away and let this beautiful beast live to see another
day... another spring?
Then I shot him five times.
And that's what successful leadership is
all about. Those who hesitate -- those who spend too much time
weighing the "pros and cons" of each decision -- may
miss that special opportunity. That 12-point buck.
It makes no difference whether you're pulling
that trigger on a .338 Semi, or laying off 4,800 employees. A
strong leader must make the tough choices, and be willing to
clean the bloody carcass that's left behind.
