The Story of the Three Letters
On his first day in office, a newly appointed director opens the desk left behind by his predecessor. Inside, he finds three sealed letters and a short note:
“Open a letter only when you find yourself in serious trouble.”
For several years, things go well. Then performance begins to slip. Targets are missed, questions are raised, and pressure mounts. The director opens the first letter. It reads: “Blame your predecessor.” He points to past decisions, legacy systems, and historical underinvestment. The explanation is accepted. Calm returns.
Years later, a second crisis emerges. Markets shift, competition intensifies, and results once again disappoint. He opens the second letter: “Blame the market and your environment.” He speaks of economic headwinds, regulation, and external uncertainty. Once again, understanding follows. Time is bought.
Then comes a third crisis. The same explanations no longer convince. Trust erodes. With hesitation, he opens the final letter. It contains only one sentence: “Write three letters.” At that moment, he realizes the problem no longer lies outside himself. His time has passed.
Key Takeaways The Story of the Three Letters
- Past success does not guarantee future relevance. Experience is valuable, but only when it evolves with changing contexts.
- Staying too long in one role can quietly turn strength into inertia. What once worked may now slow progress.
- Organizations need leaders who remain curious, flexible, and willing to challenge their own habits.
- Adaptability, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset are not age-dependent—but they do require conscious renewal.
- Knowing when to reinvent yourself, or step aside, is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Food4TheBrain (2026)
Operational Excellence, Building process clarity today for the value chain of tomorrow.
info@act2vision.nl | +31 (0) 686 698 026 | Amsterdam, Netherlands, EEA
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