It was my first day back from maternity leave and definitely the right way to get back into the swing of things.
Driving through the gates is to be transported back to the colonial era (at least as this Gen-Y would imagine it to have been). From the uniforms to the inlaid hand-painted tiles, everything is as it was (with some improvements) when the hotel was first opened in 1954.
It really is something to behold. I was rather thrilled to see Skabenga, the hotel’s famous cat, lounging by the front door – although I am disappointed that I did not have the presence of mind to grab a selfie with him!
During our SWOT session it was a good to be reminded that – while there are also weaknesses – one of our greatest strengths is the trust that the community has in us. This is a commodity we fiercely protect because you cannot buy trust, it has to be earned.
Over the last 33 years the Courier has been built on a foundation of an iron-clad code of ethics. As a journalist you get used to being lied to (as terrible as that sounds) because a great many people see the truth as optional and only if it suits their purposes.
Certainly, a person’s true character is revealed if they are caught out doing something they shouldn’t. It takes real gumption to confess when you are in the wrong, rather than telling more lies to try and protect your own hide.
In sending out the Twelve, Jesus said to them, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jesus’ advice to his disciples can easily be applied to everyday life. Let your own conduct be beyond reproach but do not be fooled into thinking everyone else is as honourable, else you are bound to become lunch. Personally, I am still far too trusting. It comes from wanting to believe the best in everyone.
Everyone, that is, except call centre salespeople and con artists. But I am continually shocked at how often people are duped out of their money and it would be good to remember that con artists are professional liars. “Con” is short for confidence. They are skilled at gaining your confidence and with it your life savings.
To avoid falling for one I have devised ‘Seven rules to surviving a con’:
- If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
- If you didn’t enter the competition then you cannot be in line to win.
- Sleep on it. If this ‘golden opportunity’ is only available today, chances are it’s fool’s gold.
- Always get a second opinion. Don’t allow yourself to get swept up in a sales person’s charisma.
- Ask for it in writing. Most cons will insist that this is not necessary or that there is not time.
- Beware the flattery. Con artists are experts at appealing to your inner vanity and emotions like compassion, greed and loneliness.
- Do your homework. Legitimate businesses have premises and references.
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While we think we have problems with a president who won’t sit down, Kenya has twice the trouble. The country currently has two presidents. Kenya’s main opposition leader Raila Odinga swore himself in as “the people’s president’ last Tuesday. That Kenya already has a president in Uhuru Kenyata, however, was apparently only a minor detail.
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“Trust proceeds influence. Build the fireplace before you light the fire” – Mike Maeshiro
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