ارزیابی

The Appraisal

AFTER lunch, the young man went downtown and met with Liz Aquino. Following a polite discussion about why he was there, he got down to business by asking, “Based on the data you have, what is the best managed of all your operations in the company?” A moment later he laughed as he heard Liz say, “You won’t have to look very far, because it is the New One Minute Manager’s. His operation is the most efficient and effective of all of our facilities—and it’s been that way for years. No matter how things change, he adapts. He’s quite a guy, isn’t he?” “Remarkable,” said the young man. “Does he have the best equipment and technology?” “No,” said Liz. “In fact, he’s got some of the oldest.”

“Well, he can’t be perfect,” said the young man, still puzzled by the New One Minute Manager’s style. “Does he have much turnover?” “Come to think of it,” Liz said, “he does have turnover. People do leave his division.” “Aha,” the young man said, thinking he was onto something.

“What happens after they leave the New One Minute Manager?” the young man asked.

“We usually give them their own operation,” Liz responded. “He’s our best developer of people. Whenever we have an opening and need a good manager, we call him. He always has somebody who is ready.” Fascinated, he thanked Liz for her time—but this time he got a different response.

“I was glad I could fit you in today,” she said. “The rest of my week is really jammed. I wish I knew how he continues to do it. I’ve been meaning to go over there and see him, but I just haven’t had time.” Smiling, the young man said, “I’ll give you his Secrets as a gift when I find them out myself. Just like he’s sharing them with me.” “That would be a precious present,” Liz said with a smile. She looked at her cluttered office and sighed. “I could use whatever help I can get.” He left Liz’s office and walked out of the building, shaking his head. The Manager was absolutely fascinating to him.

That night the young man had a very restless sleep thinking about the next day—about learning the Third Secret.