Mumbai Cool Under Fire - Control What You Can

As the terrifying events in Mumbai unfolded last week, an unlikely star, in the shape of lawyer Mark Abell stepped centre stage. Trapped for 2 days with little food and water in his Mumbai hotel room, what shone through and was truly inspirational was his calm attitude and strength of character under extreme pressure.

During one interview when asked how he was managing he said, “Worse things happen at sea. You know, in these situations you’ve got to stay in control of whatever space you’ve got. And I’ve got my space and I’m in control”

Which got me thinking about the lawyers’ ability to keep calm under pressure and think objectively about problems. Whilst inside, Mark Abell must have been feeling a myriad of emotions the way he communicated to the outside world via radio interviews was fascinating for all sorts of reasons.

“Andy Warhol promised everyone 15 minutes of fame and apparently this is mine”

Whilst there has been some cynicism (Lawyer.com) about the way he mentioned his firm Field Fisher and Waterhouse, I for one think he certainly earned his partners profit share for this year!

If you were a client, that sense of character and humour, linked with the ability to remain “cool under fire” is exactly what I would be looking for in my ideal lawyer.

Action points

Next time you feel yourself becoming frazzled and stressed:
Think of Mark Abell’s advice take a deep breath and control the space you are in.

For those of you being “encouraged” to network, you do not have to wait for a siege to occur before you start promoting your firm!

Until next time and best wishes

Jane Wintringham