How is the ABC TV Show “Shark Tank” and interesting study of the human condition, relative to hopes/dreams, kindness, compassion, mentoring, helplessness, and power/control issues?
As a Licensed Psychotherapist, I find myself watching the ABC TV show, “Shark Tank” from many different perspectives: (1) From the point of view of an inventor and business person, as I have had my own business, (2) From the perspective of the creative process of business owners, and their anxiety/hopes to have investment support from the Sharks to manifest their dreams, and (3) From the perspective of the Sharks themselves…their business persona and their humanity.
This article will touch upon with the dynamics of power and control — the interpersonal dance between the “inventor/small business person” and the “Shark”, the self made millionaire or billionaire — relative to kindness, compassion, mentoring and the love of helping others.
I am fascinated to observe the behavior and personalities of the “Sharks”, relative to their empathy and compassion. While one “Shark” has the persona of cruelty (I suspect a staged character for the show), the others tend to differ in their “empathy meter”, metaphorically speaking, from moment to moment.
I surmise that a “Shark’s” empathy level is partly dependent on a business strategy related to simply making money and getting the best deal, and partly related to their personal identification with the business inventor seeking a deal. At times, you see their hearts open, and their tenderness emerge.
I am fascinated during those moments where the “Shark” seems to release their persona as the tough business person, and seems to morph into a kindly philanthropic mentor.
During these moments, the hard edge of the Shark seems to shift into more of a loving persona, as if the “Shark” becomes more of a kind mentor/helper. I grew up with a TV show called “The Millionaire“, where money was given to deserving people with a charitable motivation. During those moments of connection, I feel the Shark’s intention to help may be greater than their own desire to make money. When someone is a mentor, they gain pleasure in guiding the student.
I so enjoy those moments of kindness, love and compassion, where a “Shark” reveals his or her humanity, and morphs from a Shark to a philanthropic persona. Sure, they will make money, but the intention to support and nurture seems to take a more primary role. You see, these “Sharks” get so much more than money…they get the joy of helping another person to manifest their dreams. I bet that is more important to them, on the deepest level.
ACTION SUGGESTION:
Think of your own life….when have you been the philanthropic support of someone else, to nurture and support another person to attain his/her dreams?Think about what you can give…You have a talent or gift to share with another!