When you receive a letter in the mail, what’s the first thing that goes through your mind? It may not be an envelope. You might think it’s just a plain old piece of paper inside of another piece of paper! But no matter how mundane or unassuming it is, there is one event going on when you open up this letter: transitions are happening all around you.
The “three envelopes problem” is a transition in which three envelopes are shown. The first envelope is opened to reveal the second, and the third envelope is revealed when the second envelope is closed.
When I was working at a local educational institution more than 30 years ago, I first heard about the Three Envelopes. It was a quick presentation on briefing the person who would be taking your place. I’ve seen the software in a few other places over the years, in somewhat different formats, including certain Internet search results. I’ll be leaving three envelopes at my workplace for my successor when I retire.
#1 Envelope
Outside note: If the work is more difficult than you anticipated, open in six months.
“Simply pretend you’re just getting up to speed, understanding the systems you’ve inherited” if the task becomes difficult.
Learning how to do things in a new job is always a challenge. Every firm, whether it uses Strunk’s Elements of Style, OpenSource servers, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or self-written Step-by-Step Operating Procedures, will change and modify that guide or software to meet the company’s demands. You must argue that you, the new employee, need time to understand how the system works, regardless of who in the firm picked it. Make certain you set aside that time.
Envelope number two
Outside note: If the work is becoming too difficult, reopen after a year.
“If your work is causing you a lot of stress and top management is breathing down your neck, blame it all on me.”
Using your forefather as a scapegoat has a long and illustrious history. It’s no less effective since it’s been used a million times. Your predecessor is unable to defend themselves, and guilt is securely shifted elsewhere without causing collateral harm. No one present will disagree with you in front of upper management, risking a reaction of blame.
#3 Envelope
Outside note: If you’re overwhelmed by the task and your job performance/output doesn’t match the chief level (CEO, CIO, CCBWO) denizen’s predefined pet beliefs, you may open anytime after one year.
“Make three fresh envelopes,” says the text.
Palo Alto Software Senior Editor (Ret.) Steve Lange
Watch This Video-
The “prepare two envelopes” is a transition that can be used to make the change from one scene to another. The transition starts with two envelopes on either side of the screen, and then they are opened up in unison.
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