The Seed Sower Coach

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

Change vs. Values

October 22, 2024

During my years working as an executive in large organizations I observed that those most impacted by change were almost always the ones most resistant to it.

Let me explain.

The world of information technology has evolved at ever increasing rates of speed. From the long-ago days of mainframe operating systems to enterprise resource planning (ERP) and beyond those of us that have been around for a while have witnessed a revolution.

In 2008 the organization I was with at the time embarked on one such journey of change. Virtually every information-oriented process would be impacted: payroll, accounting, customer relations, work order management, and many other reporting procedures as well. At the outset most employees embraced the idea: the new system promised to be nimbler and quicker. Early in the implementation, however, it became apparent that the transition would not only require significant effort, but that there would be a steep learning curve that would actually slow processes for a time.

Some employees became outraged. “Why didn’t we know what was involved? We would never have signed on.” I watched as many of these workers resisted the transition, eventually rendering themselves obsolete. Others may have grumbled at first, but then quietly reconciled to the new process. Eventually their work performance not only met, but then exceeded their former output. In addition, many became champions of the new system, some emerging as organizational leaders.

Change brings about anxiety. Further, not all change is good and there can be times that resistance may be merited. How might you know?

Start with your values. Identifying personal values is an exercise that I assign to most of my coaching clients. Values may include characteristics such as integrity, congeniality, compassion, determination, and selflessness, among a long list of other attributes. Measure the tasks asked of you against those values.

I see values played out against change time and again:

· A church makes a difficult decision to sever a pastoral relationship. Depending upon the circumstances, members of the congregation may depart. Others may rally and even come to eventually embrace the leadership change.

· University of Virginia head basketball coach Tony Bennett recently resigned from his position. The requirements for a head coach in an environment now emphasizing business savvy and fundraising expertise over coaching compromised the values he subscribed to as a leader in amateur athletics.

· Changes brought about through political elections may or may not align with our values. We choose how we respond. I know of a doctor so impacted by the result of a presidential election that his bedside manner suffered to the point of almost being censured by a medical board. Regardless of an outcome we are called to maintain our decorum and professionalism.

· My own son was a victim of a reduction in force at his job several days ago. I believe he was more devastated than he let on; this assignment was one he expected would be long-term. Rather than wallow in self-pity, though, he immediately contacted a former employer and “hustled” up some contract work to support his family and try to meet his financial obligations. Though it’s not the work he wants to be doing I admire and am proud of both his professionalism, tenacity, and resiliency in navigating a difficult time.

How do you adapt to change? Is it a condition that you resist and view as something that was “done” to you, or are you one who is more prone to dust themselves off and get back on the bull? How do your personal values factor into your response?

A story is told that during the 18th century in New England a town was overcome by complete darkness on an otherwise clear and sunlit day. Many panicked and prepared for what they believed was Armageddon.

In Connecticut, a member of the Governor’s council, Abraham Davenport, became most famous for his response to his colleagues' fears that it was the Day of Judgment:

“I am against adjournment. The day of judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish therefore that candles may be brought.”

What was later discovered to be an environmental phenomenon caused by a combination of fog, cloud cover, and smoke from wildfires dissipated. After a fearful night, the sun came up the next day.

Davenport stood up to the fears brought about by change. In uncertain times he adhered to his values.

The Seed Sower

DISCERNMENT

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Change vs. Values

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DISCERNMENT

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779