Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were the fiercest competitors but always respectful of each other’s talent and drive – whether in victory or defeat. By the end of their playing careers, they had become close friends.
Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have formed one of the most unique political friendships in our history. The foundation of which was laid, according to Bush, with how Clinton was humble after the 1988 election, “choosing not to lord his victory over Dad.”
Contrast these to a story I heard last week while visiting the Tower of London. In 1747, Simon Fraser was scheduled for execution after instigating an uprising against King George II.
In anticipation of a large crowd, scaffolding was built to accommodate the more than 15,000 English who wanted to literally see a head roll. As the bloodthirsty crowd stirred, the scaffolding collapsed, killing 20 and injuring hundreds more. Taken by the irony and perhaps relishing in the loss of life, Fraser laughed uncontrollably all the way to his end. As he died, the phrase “laughing your head off” was born.
As amusing a story as that is, it underscores a more important point.
There are invariably winners and losers in many of life’s events.
Whether that be on a field of play or battle or in the marketplace of ideas or commerce (recently someone made the point that “every dollar of waste in the health care system is a dollar of income for someone.”)
How we chose the handle that win or loss sets the stage for all that follows.
If we treat it with grace and humility it can be beneficial to both the victor and the vanquished. If we instead chose hubris and vindictiveness, then it’s likely to be disastrous to both parties.
And that should be no laughing matter.