The $35,000 List (related from Chapter 10 of Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash)

Ivy Lee, a leading efficiency expert told Charles Schwab, president of Bethlehem Steel that if Charles gave her just 15 minutes with each of his executives, then she could increase the efficiency of the company.

Schwab said, "How much is this going to cost?"

Lee said, "Nothing... unless it works. In three months you can send me a check for whatever you think it's worth to you. Fair enough?"

So, it was agreed and Lee spent fifteen minutes with executives from the struggling young steel company. Lee asked the executives to complete one single task.

Every evening for the next three months, each executive was to make a list of the six most important things he had to do the next day.

Finally, the executive was to rank the items in their order of importance.

"Each morning you begin with the first item on the list," she told them, " and scratch it off when it's finished. Just work your way right down those six items. If you don't get something fisished, it goes on the next day's list. "

At the end of the three month trial, efficeiency and sales head increased to such an extent that Schwab sent lee a check for $35,000. Now that's still a lot of cash for such a small amount of work, but in today's money, $35,000 would probably be equivalent to $350,000!

I hope this story helps someone. I decided to post this in the group to make this easier for you guys to view!

I love you guys!

~Gerlaine

1.There is a group on here for Listing.
2. This Ning Community is about being more efficient!. So, are you passionate about Efficiency!
3. Enjoy and make this group evolve!


Thank you for being a $35,000 Lister!