Measure Success by Looking Forward

Two guys and a duck walk into a bar after work on a rainy evening. The two gentlemen are from different companies, but in the same industry. Neither one knows the duck.

While they arrived separately, they recognize each other from various association meetings they have attended in the past. They decide to have a drink at the bar together and begin their conversation by asking each other how business has been. They both decide not to acknowledge the duck, seated between them.

The first guy, who we'll call Bill, states, "We are finally ahead of last quarter and even up over last year." Bob, the second guy, shakes his head in approval and agrees that this is good to hear in these difficult times, as they both continue to ignore the duck.