Superman vs. Batman

The firm I work for publishes weekly e-newsletters; they always conclude with an editorial. This one caught my attention, and I just present it as is. :)

Editorial: Superman vs Batman

Superman vs Batman; Venus vs Mars; David Lee Roth vs Sammy Hagar; McDonald's vs Burger King; John Wayne vs Clint Eastwood; Butter vs Margarine; New York vs London; Good vs Evil; The Force vs The Schwartz; Genesis (Gabriel) vs Genesis (Collins); Left vs Right, Light vs Dark... We spend an inordinate amount of time on negatively focusing on the "vs" and far too little on trying to appreciate the other side's positives.

There are good reasons for that, of course. Highlighting contrasts can sharpen our positions and understanding. And in good times a nice little argument or controversy livens up the day and there's no harm done because, in the end, no news is bad news as they say in show business. In tough times, however, the spectrum goes from the mildly interesting to the truly horrific. In tough times we often focus on the negative with extreme fervor. And history has seen the terrible results of that time and time again.

It all comes down to point of view and we have the ability, always, to choose that point of view. We choose whether we want to look for common ground or ground for arguments. Basically, we choose whether we want to smile or frown. It is generally held, as I'm sure you know, that frowning requires more muscular work than smiling does. So what is it with us as a human race!? Do we just like to overwork our facial muscles day in, day out? Are we truly that masochistic?

We're a jaded bunch, let's face it. We often don't even see "the good", unless it is contrasted by "the bad". But that's neither here nor there. Instead of looking for the negative in everything and everybody, instead of frowning about bad times, competitors, brokers, regulators, etc. - why not - finally and simply - change point of view? With every client, in every meeting, anytime, anywhere. I still like Batman more than I like Superman - but hey, Superman can fly - how cool is that? And his x-ray vision is kinda nifty, too. So do it - try it - change your point of view. Now. It's as easy as changing a frown into a smile. Come on - I'm watching you - right now - do it! Yes, that's it, you're close, it's almost there - Yes, well done! Now did that hurt so much!? Hey wait a second - did your colleague across the aisle just smile back at you? This thing just might work!