We're supposed to learn from our own mistakes that other people's errors can be instructive

too, from efforts to control the weather that went disastrously awry to the untimely death

of the Segway boss.

History is a treasure trove, mishaps and meltdowns that can teach us all.

I'm Tim Halford, host of cautionary tales, the podcast that mines the greatest fiascoes

of the past for their most valuable lessons.

Listen to cautionary tales on the iHeart Radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you

get your podcasts.

Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeart Radio.

Good morning.

This is Laura.

Welcome to the Before Breakfast Podcast.

Today's tip is for when you are asking a staff member or a volunteer to do something

hard.

Let the person know why you are asking them in particular.

What makes you see them as equipped to do the job well?

If you can explain that, you are far more likely to inspire enthusiasm than despair.

So being asked to do something hard can be annoying.

Who doesn't have a full plate already?

If you are listening to this podcast, my guess is that you go above and beyond at work

and in your community.

You may feel like you already do a lot, and you might prefer for someone else to take

...