MisterMike
Member
Having been in some jobs over the years where situational awareness was important, I generally think that I do a better job than most of staying in what THRers describe as "conditional yellow." While trying to slip into paranoia, I keep an eye on those around me, keep an eye out for points of concealment, etc.
However, last week I let my guard down on two occasions and was immediately reminded that slipping into la-la land can have its consequences. I could make excuses--some of you might even cut me some slack--but the truth is that I lost my situational awareness.
I work in Chicago and walk a few blocks to and from my office each morning and evening. There's not a lot of violence that occurs in the Loop; at least during the day there are people everywhere. My lapses? On one occasion I was engrossed in reading an email about my dad on my iPhone. On the second occasion I was standing at an intersection, waiting for a "walk" signal and was gawking at a spreadsheet.
In both instances, I was jarred back into reality by being approached by panhandlers--actually con artists with a story (both times it was an "I'm stuck here, can you help me with bus fare?" type of encounter. I brushed both of them off (one a youngish guy who looked a little rough and the other a girl in her late teens or early twenties). It was only when the second instance occurred that I came to the realization that I'd been spending too much time detached from the here and now.
Really, this is pretty rare for me. I usually am engaged in keeping my eyes and ears open. What I found interesting was that the two con artists picked me out because I was obviously not engaged. It served as a reminder that the bad guys really do focus on those who are the easiest targets. Last week, that was me.
However, last week I let my guard down on two occasions and was immediately reminded that slipping into la-la land can have its consequences. I could make excuses--some of you might even cut me some slack--but the truth is that I lost my situational awareness.
I work in Chicago and walk a few blocks to and from my office each morning and evening. There's not a lot of violence that occurs in the Loop; at least during the day there are people everywhere. My lapses? On one occasion I was engrossed in reading an email about my dad on my iPhone. On the second occasion I was standing at an intersection, waiting for a "walk" signal and was gawking at a spreadsheet.
In both instances, I was jarred back into reality by being approached by panhandlers--actually con artists with a story (both times it was an "I'm stuck here, can you help me with bus fare?" type of encounter. I brushed both of them off (one a youngish guy who looked a little rough and the other a girl in her late teens or early twenties). It was only when the second instance occurred that I came to the realization that I'd been spending too much time detached from the here and now.
Really, this is pretty rare for me. I usually am engaged in keeping my eyes and ears open. What I found interesting was that the two con artists picked me out because I was obviously not engaged. It served as a reminder that the bad guys really do focus on those who are the easiest targets. Last week, that was me.