To: Staff Subject: Fourth Quarter Goals Due to a severe lack of discipline, the company failed to meet third quarter goals. To avoid repeating this disaster for the fourth quarter, this is what I think you all must do-ASAP. 1. Demand that the sales department increase cold calls by 15 percent. 2. Require weekly progress reports by all sales staff. 3. Penalize employees when reports are not provided on time. 4. Tell managers to keep on top of their staff, pushing them to meet these goals. Remember, when one link is weak in the chain, the entire company suffers. DON'T BE THE WEAK LINK! From: Nachman Sumani Subject: Brainstorming I need to pick your brain, guys. We've got a big one coming up, a killer deal with a major European player. Before I can make the pitch, however, let's brainstorm solutions. The client needs a proposal by December 5, so I need your input before that date. Give me your ideas about the following: What should we charge for our product, if the client buys in bulk? What's our turnaround time for production? I know that your people tend to work slowly, so can you hurry the team up if I promise delivery in six weeks? E-mail me your feedback by tomorrow, 1:00 P.M., at the latest. Trust me, guys. If we blow this one, everyone's bonuses will be out the window.