We learn by experience.
And the lessons we remember most are the painful ones.
My father-in-law was robbed last week by a very helpful passerby.
It happened in one of Malaga’s beautiful parks.
As he and his partner strolled, both were suddenly covered in gunk.
A man appeared from behind almost immediately, talking loudly and pointing to the sky.
He said a bird was the culprit of the download that covered them.
Helpfully, he had a bottle of water, which he used to wash the stuff off their hair and backs.
Unhelpfully, while doing so, he removed my father-in-law’s wallet and the cash and cards inside.
Most brazenly of all, he put the empty wallet back.
While they were wiping each other’s hair and clothes, he disappeared.
It was only then that they realised the scam and its cleverness.
Creating a diversion like the one described is a favourite tactic of street criminals.
It’s one they have practised for centuries, as depicted in many paintings from centuries past.
You’ll also read about it in Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist.
Jack Dawkins, better known as the Artful Dodger, was an expert in the art.
In the world of work, mistakes cost money and produce stress.
Like the Malaga incident described, they can also cause embarrassment to the victim.
Feelings of “I should have known better” and blaming oneself are common.
Sadly, it’s a crime on the rise here in the UK.
Be aware of those around you when using ATMs and of approaches happening soon after.
On a more positive note,
Do you have someone in your team that you’d like to handle events this autumn and beyond?
Ten Days To Trade Show Ready is our flagship training programme.
It gives trainees high-level event skills and the confidence to be bold in their trade show marketing ambitions.
You’ll find full details here.
Very best,
David O’Beirne