The following exchanges were overhead in an office: Boss: I asked for this report on Friday – what delayed you? Subordinate: I was trying to clear up the end of quarter returns. Boss: But it’s already the fourth of the month. Subordinate: Yes, but I had two clerks away on holiday at the same time. Boss: How did that happen? Subordinate: Well they asked me separately – a few weeks apart – and I hadn’t realized what the consequences would be. Boss: I’m afraid it is not good enough. I constantly have to complain about work which is produced at the last moment –or later. It is often badly prepared and faulty. What are you going to do about it? Subordinate: I don’t know. I never have the time to think ahead. How would you help this subordinate?
