Andrew Carnegie meets Fredrick Taylor

 "if you can tell me something about management that is worth hearing, I will send you a check for ten thousand dollars."

It was 1890, and there was a cocktail party in Pittsburgh.  All of the movers and shakers were there including Andrew Carnegie.  He held court in a corner of the room smoking a cigar.  He was introduced to Fredrick Taylor, the man who was becoming famous as an expert on organizing work.

"Young man," said Carnegie,  "if you can tell me something about management that is worth hearing, I will send you a check for ten thousand dollars."  Now, ten thousand dollars was a great deal of money in 1890.  Conversation stopped as people nearby turned to hear what Taylor would say.

"Mr. Carnegie," Taylor said, "I would advise you to make a list of the ten most important things you can do.  And then, start doing number one."  And, the story goes a week later Taylor received a check for ten thousand dollars.  

ACTION POINT:  Make a list of the the 10 most important things you can do and start with number one.