Recalling Ike’s Style: Keep All Reports Short

President Eisenhower’s organization is described as military style in the well-documented piece on some management tips that might assist President Clinton (“Mr. President, Some Management Tips for You,” July 5). I am reminded of Ike’s directive when he was president of Columbia University. In requesting annual reports from department heads, he specified that all reports must be limited to one page only. Anything beyond one page would remain unread, Ike admonished. Not only did they all comply, but I was informed by several Columbians that Ike’s order was voluntarily extended to other reports. Not a bad tip for any CEO to consider in this age of superhighways of information.

SHERRY TERZIAN

West Los Angeles