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

The Rewards of Curiosity

July 21, 2022

One of the things I most enjoy about coaching is the opportunity to learn from clients. So far this journey has allowed a wide variety of diverse exploration:

· What constitutes the highest quality vintage from the perspective of a certified Sommelier.

· The impact of location and climate in maple sugar farming.

· The correlation between the seemingly unrelated disciplines of music and mathematics.

· Leadership principles gleaned through the eyes of a fighter pilot.

· Challenges, demands, and expectations that fall on the shoulders of major college sports information directors.

· Storyline and equipment considerations that go into the development of engaging podcasts.

· The unrealized and unintended discrimination that frustrates and demoralizes members of “protected classes.”

· The value of a simple phone call to former colleagues during the peak of Covid.

· How taking a minute to repair a cyclist’s flat tire translated to a totally unrelated sales lead.

Currently I’m revisiting some of the fundamentals of coaching in an effort to earn more advanced certification. Through that process I am reminded that besides being ethically grounded, one of the foundations for successful coaching is to possess an attitude of curiosity. Healthy curiosity is non-judgmental, empathetic towards the client, and most importantly not predicated upon the coach’s own value system. An effective coach does and should not try to convince or persuade a client.

That last part for me can be especially difficult as I, like everyone, has my own system of values as well as inherent biases. What I have learned though is that through establishing an environment that is open and supportive it will build trust in the relationship, creating an atmosphere where the client is freed from influence and eventually will derive their own high-quality solution.

Some time back I had the honor of working with a young man who was employed as an engineer with a major company. He was well rewarded by his organization, important as he resided in an area notorious for high living costs. He was generous with his earnings, sharing unconditionally with members of his family who were not as fortunate or financially disciplined. His reason for reaching out to me was predicated upon identifying another passion that would not only augment his current vocation, but also bring some level of further monetization.

Given his lifelong disciplined mindset he began to explore the possibility of developing a service specifically designed for millennials, many of whom are debt riddled and finding dreams of financial security, home ownership, and raising a family bleak. The “side” endeavor launched. He continues as a financial coach having positive impact for his clients.

I might add too that this client had another dreamful aspiration for coaching. Lovelorn, he was hopeful that he might meet a special lady, make a connection, find romance, and build a family. Never losing sight of or abandoning that dream and with my encouragement, he made that happen.

They married last year. I always tell my career coaching clients, “life” invariably intersects career.

Earlier this year, there was another career coaching client frustrated in his job search. This individual was well-seasoned in his professional field, yet found not only rejection, but difficulty even getting through corporate “gatekeepers.” Was it age? Was there lack of demand for his trade?

A coaching curiosity compelled me to ask how he might leverage his experience? Rather than allowing age to present an obstacle, how could he advantageously “sell” it and his experience? Further, what about the possibility of launching his own enterprise?

Obviously there were a number of other different questions and conversations, but at the end of the day, that is exactly what he did, establishing his own LLC, specializing in a particular service area that though important, flies under the radar of many small- to mid-sized companies. Creating that safe, supportive environment facilitated his creating and now living his “ideal job description.”

Several years ago, one of my very early clients was an admittedly “introverted” middle-aged woman, seeking not only future financial security, but a current passion. We considered her interests and I learned she was a big reader who also had a strong interest in history. Curious, we talked about how she might feed that fascination. She shared that there were several historical venues and sites in her area. Passion overcame introversion. In a future conversation she shared that she had not only signed up to serve as a volunteer at one of those locations, but had happily adorned herself in historical clothing, reflective of a mid-19th century pioneer woman.

Through confidence gained in that assignment, I learned as well that she was also participating in a door-to-door solicitation campaign for a candidate for political office.

As a coach, there are few things more gratifying than seeing a client’s energy shift when they discover that “aha” moment. The joy of being a curious partner on that path of discovery is beyond reward.

The Seed Sower

Centering

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

The Rewards of Curiosity

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Centering

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779