The president of a major broadcasting company was looking for a humorous radio personality to fill the morning time slot on one of that company's largest radio stations. He wanted a heavy hitter. Money was no object. A friend of mine, a radio consultant and close friend of the president, had been asked by him to do some scouting around to see what kind of talent might be available.
A few weeks later this consultant friend telephoned the company president to report on his findings. He felt certain he'd really done his homework and had found just the right candidate for the job. He told the president all about a particular radio personality, his work history and credentials. He detailed the man's skills, salary, temperament, likes, dislikes—you name it. This went on for nearly twenty minutes. All the while the president just listened.
When the report was finished, there was a long pause. The president then asked, "But is he funny?" Both of them broke into laughter at the question! As my friend finished telling me about this incident, he made the comment "Imagine all that work and research, and yet I'd missed the main point!"
