The revelation in simple, workday terms of part of the Rebbe's schedule and relationship with the secretariat is interesting of itself. One response and work story that impacted me is a side note.
The Rebbe would regularly issue instructions for those who worked for him at home and in the field at the last moment. Every week found a new project, whether in the spreading of Yiddishkeit far afield or in the publishing house being ordered to finish a book in inhuman time.
In this case, the Rebbe had asked Rabbi Krinsky the week before Lag Ba'Omer 5750 if a coin could be produced with the emblems of this event to give out to the children. Rabbi Krinsky details the trouble he went to find out that striking coins is a process of months, until he found two companies, one Italian and one US, willing to strike the coins in time. The Rebbe chose the American, and added "Ashamti" - I am to blame for having given you last minute instructions, and if it doesn't work out I carry that blame.
Rabbi Krinsky, mortified at receiving this historic note which I believe is unprecedented, proceeded to make sure that the coin was ready for the Lag Ba'Omer parade. The Rebbe's response was that he should be given peace of mind as he gave the Rebbe peace of mind.
There is no blame in a single campaign that the Rebbe initiated, in a single instruction given. Not only is this belief based, that we believe the Rebbe was guided openly by Ratzon Hashem, but is evident in retrospect. Whether it be decisions made about public protests for Soviet Jewry, which city should have a shliach and which not, where a school should be opened and where not, public emphasis of Mitzvos for every Jew, all have been proven by time.
The blame the Rebbe laid on himself is for asking too late. No blame lies in the rush therein needed by the employees, the blame is in case the project did not work out due to the last minute rush. Every executive secretary wishes they could hear their boss say this about the idea they could not implement when given to them last minute.
But of course, the Rebbe didn't care.
