In The Matrix, the lead character NEO has the ability to view a computer generated world like no other inhabitant. He sees the inner workings of the system and can manipulate them because of this information.

I was happily churning out some code this morning when “blink!” Out went the power. I remembered the power company calling a few days ago with some message about replacing a part in the substation for my neighborhood. Great! I was just getting into the zone.

As I left and headed for Panera to scoop up some free internet access with my coffee I realized that the army of power company workers must have a completely unique view of the world. I drive by those little (or big) green boxes sprouting up from every neighborhood in the area without noticing them. I’m sure the power workers key in on them as though they were bright pink. They “see” a different world than most people because they know what to look for.

Other professions are similar. A cop on the beat keys in on certain behaviors and mannerisms to locate suspects. An ER doctor picks up on clues to a patient’s condition that might go unnoticed by others. A ship captain “reads” the waves and knows when trouble is over the horizon.

How do you view the Matrix? What unique things do you notice and how can you take advantage of them?