By Sherif Attar
In a world of ever-changing ambiguity and uncertainty, executives have to face two challenges: excellent performance and people development. Where many managers think those endeavours are “competing”, this author believes they are “completing”. GET DOWN TO BUSINESS argues.
Last Friday was Friday the 13th. Did it all go well with you?
How much of a superstitious are you? Most people I asked came up with: “I’m not, but I try to play it safe!”. This is fine by me, but it says,” yes, you are, my dear buddy!”
This is a true story that happened to me a few years ago. I was conducting a management seminar in the US. On the last day, a Thursday, we had a ceremonial end-of-programme lunch to give a chance for the delegates to say goodbye to each other before they supposedly leave the next day, Friday, to their respective states. Not realising the next day was the 13th of the month, I discovered that most delegates opted for leaving that night, or Saturday! Almost everybody avoided leaving the next day… except for one: yours truly!
Chatting over innocent -or not so innocent- drinks, the cat was out of the bag! Everybody knew I was the only person flying Friday the 13th. The jokes went on with no end on sight. Ranging from a descent “Are you sure?” down to “Can you fly a plane?”, and of course “Goodbye and good luck!”, or worse. I kept talking about how illogical that belief is and how much it shouldn’t affect my travel plans. The reaction I got was “Yea, sure” or the traditional American expression “whatever!”.
I might have gotten a little worried because I was travelling on a Western European airline famous for losing luggage! (I will keep the airline name undercover to protect the innocent ..if it is! I see a smile on your face. Yes, you guessed it right).
At any rate, I was scheduled to fly to Limassol, Cyprus via Rome, Italy (Stop smiling!) As I arrived at my connecting airport, I realised that my luggage missed my flight. While filing a complaint, I noticed the airline employee was treating the case like it was an everyday event. So, it’s not Friday the 13th, it’s the way they do business here.
Now, for the best part of the story. Going through customs at the airport in Cyprus, was the most enjoyable part of my journey. I walked with no luggage through the green sign “Nothing to Declare” since I literally had “nothing” to declare. So, that’s happy news for you pessimists who believe Friday the 13th is a bad day to travel!
I was due to start my seminar the next day and had nothing to wear! I just had my casual shirt and jeans! Since the event was in that summer resort in mid-December, there were no clothes shops for hundreds of miles. The nice lady at the reception desk informed me that there was a boutique in the resort that sold clothes. So, that’s happy news for you pessimists who believe Friday the 13th is a bad day to buy clothes! I hit the shop and they had plenty to wear…. If you are a holiday maker: tees with Disney and Marvel characters on. That would not be my best option for a business workshop! Rats!
My problem was solved when a taxi arrived to the hotel with my luggage just in time to start my work. So, that’s happy news for you pessimists who believe Friday the 13th is a bad day to travel!
For questions or suggestions, please send your comments.
Sherif Attar, an independent management consultant/trainer and organisation development authority, delivers seminars in the US, Europe, Middle East and the Far East.
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