My research continually confirms business is in 1 standard deviation of human nature with some sales spin.
In a place once called Yugoslavia, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1914. The crown prince Franz Ferdinand, thought he’d follow up with a sales call in a place called Sarajevo, after they cut a deal to annex Serbia, because people were a tad disgruntled by the abrupt business tactic.
The citizens turned out nonetheless with great fanfare—and a few assassins. Six to be exact just in case one made a mistake. As the royal family drove the river road to the celebration. An assassin hurled a short-fuse bomb into the touring car. Quick on his feet the prince flung the bomb back. It exploded in the street and the assassins fled as the motorcade continued to the town square.
During the usual speeches the Mayor reassured his royal highness, the problem was fixed. Nevertheless, a consultant decided a change in tactics was required and sent Franz along with wife Sophie, on an alternative course rather than back down the parade route. Unfortunately the committee running the operation was ineffectual and the motorcade ended up back on the parade road.
Realizing managements error, the Archduke’s car was directed to turn around at an intersection. Amazed by the snafu was a nineteen year-old name Gavrilo Princip, the sixth assassin, who was lying low waiting for the dust to settle. Invested in the project, he sensed opportunity in failure and as muddled administrators unravel the gridlock. He shot Archduke Franz and his wife.
Within 48 hours, World War I had begun. Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians would die before it ended.
Kevin J. Palmer, Author
The Quiet Rich
