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A Story I Remember*
Is that the best you can do?
Charlie was assigned to an important project. Returning from a key business trip, he worked very hard to write up his report. It was not a brief report. It was detailed and lengthly. It contained lots of technical data.
Finished at last, Charlie stopped by his boss's office and dropped the report in the boss's in-basket.
The next day he waited for a response from his boss. None came.
Likewise the day after that.
On the third day, Charlie could not stand the suspense. Seeing the boss in his office, Charlie poked his head in and asked, "What did you think of my report?"
"Oh," said the boss, as he looked around his desk. "This report?" he asked, as he held up Charles thick report.
"Yes," said Charlie.
"Is this the best you can do?" asked the boss.
Startled, Charlie gulped, grabbed the report, and returned to his own desk.
The Re-write
Charlie completely rewrote his report. It was a lot of work. He really sweated over it.
Working late until all hours (of the morning), Charlie finally declared it done. He took it and put it on the boss's desk and headed for home. He might not have time for much sleep, but at least he could clean up and put on a fresh shirt before returning to the office for the morning meetings.
Again, a number of days went by with no mention from his boss about the report. When Charlie finally inquired, the boss located the report package on his office credenza. As he held it in his hands, he seemed to be contemplating. Looking up, he said to Charlie, "Is this really the best you can do?"
Charlie grabbed the report and ran down the hall to his own office.
And Again
Charlie reworked his report.
"Third time's the charm," thought Charlie wishfully as he once again dropped the report on his boss's desk.
This time, Charlie had less patience. He only waited until the end of the day before barging into the boss's office and asking what he thought. Picking up the report from his desk, the boss asked Charlie, "Is this really the best you can do?"
"Yes, by golly. It is the best I can do."
"Good," said the boss. "Then, I will read it."
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