Every time I’m asked to write a letter of recommendation my reaction is the same.

“I would be happy to. Please give me a draft. Put in whatever is important to you, then send me the letter to edit.”

In other words – make it easy for me.

A few weeks ago I violated my own rule. Abbot, a friend and business associate of twenty years, asked for a letter of reference. He provided four letters written by other business people. I thought, “This will be easy,” and immediately forwarded Abbot’s email...