Recently the middle management group of a large technology consulting company determined that the recent craze for group sports activities would be a good diversion for them. Accordingly, a competitive rowing team was created, a crew formed and practicing commenced.
Months later the crew had competed several times, and not only lost but finished so far behind that the effect was truly embarrassing. Not to be defeated, the group strategized and determined that there must be a flaw in their approach. One consultant of their number was duly engaged and traveled to England to observe the Oxford/Cambridge race, and then to an Ivy League school to see the rowers there.
Upon his return a general meeting of the rowing group was convened and the consultant delivered his report:
"Gentlemen," said he, "I have determined that there is indeed a flaw in our technique. "it seems that the other crews typically have one guy yelling, and eight guys rowing."