I Now Know What It’s Like to Meet My Waterloo
Talk about a humbling experience! Yesterday’s blog was about the term, “X Factor.” In the post, I mentioned that an “X Factor” was not referring to a superstar, or even a starter, but, rather, to a player no one thought much about, but who could have a major impact in deciding who would win the game. In addition, I said the X Factor in the game shouldn’t be spoken about until after the game had been completed. Only at that time, could one select the X Factor, e.g. the team member who performed so well, unbeknownst to everyone prior to the game, it was that contribution that actually determined which team (the X Factor’s) won.Â
At the end of the blog, I mentioned, “If you think I’m wrong, let me know.” Yikes! I don’t know if I should be flattered that so many people read my blogs or demoralized so many people think my opinion isn’t worth donkey dust (for lack of a more descriptive term).
There was certainly no shortage of opinion. People got in touch with me I hadn’t heard from in years. “Just read your blog. See you haven’t changed much.” I’m not sure, but I have a sneaking suspicion that was not meant as a compliment.Â
Others were gracious enough to offer medical advice (probably because he is a loyal reader and truly understands the pain I’ve had to endure).  “So, you don’t think someone like Kobe or LeBron can be considered an X Factor? You need to have your head examined.“ Made an appointment with a psychologist right after reading that and am looking forward to our session. Wonder if I should send a copy of the blog ahead so she can have a better insight to her new patient? On second thought, I think it might be better if I surprised her.
Still other readers were complimentary of my potential. “An X Factor has to be a reserve? Come on, Jack, you’re better than that.“ It’s refreshing to know I haven’t reached my max yet.
There were others, many of them more colorful. Two of them were from 1) someone I ran into at the store (lucky I was in the Express lane) and 2) a call from a friend in New Jersey, who gave me advice on how to be taller (as only someone from New Jersey can). “If you believe what you blogged yesterday, you ought to spread your legs as wide as you can . . . and see if you can pull your head out.”
Years ago, I would have argued with each and every one of these people. It’s amazing at how strongly people will argue - even when the other side has proven they’re wrong; at how they’ll try to redirect the valid point just made by the person they’re speaking with, or blurt out a sarcastic remark, diverting atention from their mistake - so they won’t have to be thought of as that dreaded word . . . wrong. If you’re not sure the type of person I’m talking about, just listen to Ann Coulter when she is having a conversation with anyone but Sean Hannity, e.g. someone who disagrees with the gospel according to Ann. If you think I’m not a particularly big fan of Ann’s, consider that I’m Jewish and her remarks on Donnie Deutsch’s Big Show about Jews needing to be perfected were quite offensive to me. In fact, if Ann Coulter is perfect, I want to be about as far from perfect as is humanly possible.
Honestly, I was so influenced by the number of people who cast dissenting votes against what I posted last night that I have (drum roll, . . . ) changed my mind! The one argument that did it was, “when the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Pistons, if LeBron wasn’t the X Factor, i.e. the guy who made the glaring between the two teams, the one guy who the Pistons did not have that the Cavs did, please tell me who was.”
Checkmate.
What I learned in situations such as these can be summed up in a quote from the former head of Intel, Andy Grove. Put this practice to use and, not only will you walk away from “discussions” quite a bit more intelligent, not to mention, informed but you won’t have to go back to your hotel room, or house, or office, thinking, “Gee, did I make an ass out of myself today. Why can’t I ever give in to even a minor point?” Try it and you’ll immediately gain more credibility. Andy’s line?Â
“Fight like you’re right; listen like you’re wrong.”    Â