Change Insights

We love sharing stories, as we believe they are a great way for others to learn with a smile.   So when we came across this true story, it made us stop and think – so we thought we would share…

Two New York ad executives have been out for lunch in the 1960s, and are walking back to their plush Madison Avenue office through Central Park. It is a beautiful day in April, and the sun is shining. As they walk, they see blind man begging with a sign that reads: 

“I am blind”.

As they walk past, they can see he’s not doing very well. There are a few measly coins in his cup, and mostly people are just ignoring him as they hurry past. 

One ad exec makes a bet with the other that he can dramatically improve the blind man’s fortunes by adding just four words to his sign. The bet is agreed, and the first ad exec gets out his pen and updates the text. Afterwards, they stand at a distance and watch as person after person stops by to drop off a few coins into the man’s cup. Within 15 minutes, he has more than doubled his total for the day.

So, what were the words? How did he do it? he added:

“It is spring, and…”

By updating the sign so that it read “It is spring and I am blind”, the ad man completely changed how people viewed the man’s plight. The additional words helped people empathise with the blind man, to put themselves in his shoes, by helping them to imagine what it would be surrounded by a beautiful spring day in Central Park without being able to see any of it.

What can we learn from this?

This story shows the extraordinary power of empathy and connection to other people’s realities. If you try and see the world from someone else’s point of view, and help them see it from yours, you’ll reap the rewards. This could be as a senior leader, a middle-manager, a salesman or with your customers. Empathy, connection and the different perspective they provide, are powerful tool’s in today’s business world.

And the best lesson of all? 

This story shows how small changes can make a big difference. You might think you’re doing something pretty well, but a fresh pair of eyes and a few well-targeted tweaks can make a dramatic difference to your performance and success. 

What big difference could you make with a small change in your perspective?