Once upon a time, a newly appointed arts administrator went to the old, retiring administrator for advice on how to succeed in the job.
"In the top drawer of the desk, I've left three envelopes for you," said the old administrator. "When things get bad, open the first envelope and follow the instructions."
Well, it wasn't long until the new administrator was besieged by an angry delegation of students demanding action. Out came the first envelope. The instructions said: "Take the matter under advisement." The new administrator announced that the matter was being taken under advisement, and that seemed to satisfy the angry students.
A short time later, a loud faculty group appeared and demanded action. It was time for that second envelope. "Form a committee" were the instructions. So, the new administrator announced the formation of a committee to study the matter. The faculty group was quieted.
Not long after that, a mob of students, an adamant faculty group and several scowling administrators were outside the office door, loudly and angrily demanding that something be done immediately! Well, it certainly was time for that third envelope.
The instructions read: "Prepare three new envelopes!"
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