Planning and Events

Kensington Oval Barbados 2024

 As I reflect on my 35 years in event and operational leadership, a number of clear lessons have become apparent to me. I was once talking to a senior colleague, who related a story that has always stuck with me. Post a very serious incident, the responsible police commander was being cross examined within an adversarial judicial forum. The questioning was becoming somewhat testy, as cross examinations normally do! In response to a particularly pointed question, the commander replied ‘Well that is just hindsight!’. The witty response of the cross examining lawyer “No officer; not hindsight but clear foresight’. Devastating within the context of this judicial forum but a critical lesson for all of us.

In my view, a mature and comprehensive consideration of what you are trying to achieve balanced against risk is absolutely critical to successfully achieving your goals. Further, saying ‘Well that could not happen here!’ is a response that sets organisations up for catastrophic failure. Typically when I hear that

response, I can point to where this has happened in the past and the

adverse consequences for the public, staff and those who are in

command! My point being that operational planning needs to be thoughtful and risk based, underpinned real accountability and experienced judgement.

Planning safety critical systems is a job for experienced professionals not gifted amateurs.