The Seed Sower Coach

The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. ~ Luke 8: 15

Learning New Tricks

“We’re doing twice the work we used to do and getting paid the same.”

“This new machine’s not as good as what we had before.”

Are these common refrains from your work environment? Although we’re all no doubt busy, I tend to find that the underlying issues have more to do with technological frustration and change more than most other factors.

Consider the first statement, which essentially addresses the “do more with less” argument. It is entirely true that nearly all of us are and are required to be more productive than we were 20 or even 10 years ago. Yet, look at the tools that are now at our disposal. Computer speeds are faster than ever. A single cell phone has more capability than the early computers that helped us land on the moon. Groceries and other goods are delivered to our doorsteps often within a day or even hours of ordering. Scientists developed an immunization for a threatening and sometimes deadly virus in less than a year, far exceeding our expected standards.

So yes, most of us are doing more than we used to do, yet with the aid of technology. If we are still where we were in 2001, we have simply not kept up.

Still, learning how to Zoom, text, or even email can be uncomfortable propositions for many. The reward for first tackling the challenge and then succeeding at it can be immensely rewarding.

In my work in college football, basketball, baseball, and softball for ESPN I provide statistical data and observations to the “on air” broadcasters during the course of a telecast. Basically the job description summary is to share information during an event that will enrich the production and allow the announcers to come across as even more informed and up to date than they already are.

Although sports has slowly made a return during Covid, the broadcasts are different. For one, there may or may not be fans in attendance. Further, the on air talent may not even be present, announcing from a room or basement in their home or some other venue. The same goes for me: out of the events I have been assigned and worked thus far in 2021 all have been from my home office in Florida.

I recall my very first remote production a few months back. Admittedly not as technically proficient as I would like to be, I was overwhelmed at how I was going to adapt, produce quality information, and communicate it effectively. From that experience, I developed a step-by-step formula that not only worked for me, but that I believe can apply to many of the challenges any of us face to make them seem not so intimidating. If I may share:

1. First of all be grateful that the powers that be have demonstrated the confidence in your abilities to entrust you with the responsibility. They may very well see or know some things that are not so readily apparent to you.

2. The long-time question and adage of “how do you eat an elephant?, “one bite at a time,” is very helpful. Break the project down into smaller increments.

3. Seek advice next from those who may have some experience with the same or a similar challenge.

4. Begin tackling the undertaking from the perspective of what you do know. For me that translates to studying game notes and statistics from a variety of websites and transferring that information into the format and tools with which I have most familiarity.

5. Next, tackle the technology options that are most comfortable. For me that is Zoom. In my instance it also meant acquiring two laptops to begin with—one for the live game broadcast and another in which to communicate notes specifically to on air talent.

6. A third laptop was then to be added to the equation in order to receive “live” or current statistical information.

7. Assure that internet connectivity is strong and that there is reliable back up, such as a cell phone “hot spot” in order to remedy a communications void.

8. Speaking of the cell phone, it plays a role in continuing to serve as a communication device, however, through an app that allows the ability to talk to the announcers and production truck, much like a headset at an on site event.

9. Finally take a deep breath, say a prayer, have a good show, and feel gratified that you did it.

Resourcefulness feels good. These sophisticated times of ours also provide a reminder that none of us are ever too old to learn new things. It is good for me to get a taste of obstacles similar to those I task to my coaching clients.

What is the new challenge that you’re going to take on?

The Seed Sower

Nuggets of Wisdom

September 20, 2021

As a Career and Life Coach often metaphorical references emerge which hopefully more effectively communicate and illustrate thoughts and ideas to my clients. Given my participation and involvement in athletics, often parallels emanate from personal experience, thinking back to athletic coaches I have either played for or observed. Years later their lessons are still practical in not only sports, but life, work, and relationships.

“Focus on getting a base hit; the home runs will come.”

Baseball heroes in my little league days were the sluggers: Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Harmon Killebrew, Frank Howard. These behemoths and their conquests were mythical: regardless of our size we wanted to emulate their achievements and strengths.

Our efforts to mimic these so-called gods of the diamond through swinging a bat as hard as we could for the fences inevitably failed. Why? For one we were scrawny nine, 10, or 11 year olds. Second, our technique was not too unlike that of the would-be lumberjack, recklessly attacking a might oak, forever doomed to lose the battle. In addition, we had not yet mastered the fundamental requirements for success: seeing the ball leave the pitcher’s hand, watching closely as that ball approached the plate, finally aiming to meet that sphere square on with our round bats, with the desired end result being solid contact.

The coaches of that day preached base hits. “The home runs will come, make solid contact first.”

Tony Gwynn was an all-star 15 times in his 20 year career. He led the National League in hits seven times. His career batting average was an unprecedented .338. Yet, he averaged just under seven home runs per season throughout his career. Aaron and Mays would sometimes hit that many in a couple of weeks. The tireless Gwynn was the epitome of fundamental excellence and effectiveness.

How many times does a Sales Manager encourage his sales force to “not worry about hitting home runs, just make solid contact,” meaning work your leads, provide outstanding follow up, don’t overpromise, and do what you say you are going to do. In parenting, just a simple lunch with your 12 year old daughter may well mean more than front row tickets to Taylor Swift. The thoughtful gesture of a handwritten thank you note to a friend who hosted you for dinner or a member of your staff who went above and beyond has immeasurable value.

“Lots will come; few will stay.”

The head basketball coach my freshmen year in high school was a legend. Notorious as a driven task master, he demanded excellence, even during the most mundane and grueling fundamental drills. Often in the midst of our practices he would share philosophical commentary, pertinent not only on the basketball court but in life as well, as time has affirmed.

One such exercise was designed to develop quickness and enhance reactions. It consisted of players assembling in military style alignment and responding as he barked commands, “stand, squat, sit down, backs, bellies, pushups, etc.,” all in rapid fire order.

Often, while on our backs we were required to lift our feet six inches off the ground, the much-feared leg lifts, the purpose being to strengthen core muscles. Legs lifted 30, now 40 or more seconds as abdominals tightened and began screaming in pain, he would zig zag through our lines.

“Lots will come, few will stay,” he shouted, almost as if questioning our trust. Though memories of the juvenile pain of those days of drills some 50 years ago have faded, the pertinence of those six words to life continue to resonate. What about difficult times in our marriages and relationships? Perhaps there is a challenging boss or peer at work. Resolutions made to exercise more and eat less come to mind as well. Often for me, when I recall those words, I am still encouraged to stay on task in spite of discomfort.

“Make them play our game.” In basketball, years ago before “shot clocks” applied at ranks below the NBA, it was not uncommon for teams to “let the air out of the ball.” Figuratively that meant slowing the pace of the game through the offense relying on abundant passes among teammates, only taking a shot when chances of conversion were extremely high. This approach was often deployed by an inferior opponent as an equalizer to a higher-powered adversary. Former Princeton Coach Pete Carril achieved tremendous success in leading his Ivy Leaguers to unexpected wins over superior competition from larger schools in major conferences.

Establishing a cadence and rhythm have application in the business world. I sometimes coach my interviewing clients in how to slow down the pace of their speaking, finding comfort with pause, hesitation, and even silence to find their groove. It is an excellent technique for taking control of an interview without being “controlling.” As a potential buyer of a product or service, we sometimes encounter salespeople who want us to “buy right there and then.” The deal that is “only going to be available at this price for the next 24 hours,” could be a lure best worth reconsidering.

What does getting on base, stick to it-ness, and setting the pace mean to you? What adages from a coach, teacher, parent, mentor have struck your chords?

The Seed Sower

Discovering Your Opus

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Nuggets of Wisdom

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Discovering Your Opus

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779