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

Cinematic Observations

February 21, 2024

There are two movie assignments I’ve often given some of my coaching clients, especially if they are preparing for job interviews.

One is “The King’s Speech.” Featuring Colin Firth in the role of the future king of Britain, George VI, the plot deals with the to be king’s predisposition towards a stammer. He consults with Lionel Logue, an Australian speech and language therapist after experiencing disaster after disaster in his ability to communicate. Through a series of exercises, some cringe-worthy, Lionel works with the king, to the point that in 1939 the king must broadcast a speech to the British citizenry following declaration of war on Nazi Germany. Relying first on Logue’s orchestration, he begins delivering his speech, and at the end is speaking freely. For me, it is an outstanding illustration of how a coach mentors a client in crossing a seemingly untenable pathway of progressing from point A to point B.

The film received 12 Oscar nominations with Firth claiming an Award for Best Actor and the film Best Picture in 2011.

A less renown, yet important movie is "Akeelah and the Bee.” It is a 2006 drama that tells the story of 11 year old Akeelah Anderson, who competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Akeelah attends Crenshaw Middle School, a predominantly black school in South LA. Noting her special talent for spelling the school’s principal encourages her to sign up for the school-wide spelling bee, a request she initially rebuffs. After reconsidering and participating in the competition she is observed by a visiting English professor, Dr. Joshua Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) who decides she is good enough for Nationals and becomes her spelling coach. Making a connection between the rhythms of spelling and skipping rope, Akeelah eventually proceeds to capture her own “crown.”

Though shunned by the Academy, Angela Bassett, who played Akeelah’s mother, was nominated Best Actress at the 2006 BET Awards with both Keke Palmer (Akeelah) and Fishburne capturing Outstanding Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actor trophies, respectively, from the Black Movie Awards.

What is your memorable speech or academic contest moment? How did you go about determining your zone, the rhythm in which you best function?

· In a job interview?

· When giving a presentation or speaking to a group?

· In how you go about your daily assignments?

· In the way you prepare a meal?

· With the manner in which you connect with and communicate with others?

Routine works well for many people. Particularly those who grew up on a farm where livestock were raised understand. I knew some dairy farmers in Missouri. Dairy cattle require consistent

milking, at least twice, and sometimes as often as three times daily. That requirement comes seven days a week, vacation time and holidays included. The farmer is up early to perform the morning task before the sun even rises, so that 12 hours later, just before suppertime, the afternoon milking takes place. That routine is instilled at a young age, so much so that the learning curve is steep, if not impossible, for those seeking to try their hand at the dairy business, who are not products of the multi-generational heritage.

Cadence can be variable in other occupations. A masterful storyteller incorporates pause, inflection, and hesitation to encourage emotion, reaction, and a feeling of suspense among those listening. Dynamic preachers employ similar tactics. Iconic newscasters are memorable. One of the giants of the mid-20th century radio medium was Paul Harvey, who utilized an unconventional and unique style to engage his listeners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZEgIDr5jSc

Some succeed with a rhythm that is their brand. The chef, Emeril Lagasse, introduced flair, tempo, and passion for food prep viewership that “turned things up a notch,” for that industry segment. By the way I spied him ahead of me on the condiment aisle a few days back. Reassuring for me to know that a culinary legend feeds his own family from the same local Publix as do I.

In setting your own pace, I’ve identified some keys, especially in interviewing and other interpersonal skills that are critical in attaining that delicate balance between being in control, without being “controlling.”

· Remember to breathe. Seems counterintuitive, yet continually amazed how many of us stumble through speaking faster than we can think.

· Condense it. Unless delivering a speech, a response of no more than 90 to 120 seconds seems about right in an “interlude.”

· Hesitate. Pause before answering. Even three seconds can give you the chance to organize your 90 second comment.

· Eye contact. I have had seemingly distracted clients look away from or beyond me. It tempts me to want to look away as well, making me think I’m “missing” something.

· Question. Remember to ask good, open-ended questions of the audience with which you’re engaged.

· Storytelling. A good storyteller, as Paul Harvey was, builds in inflection and emphasis and varies the speed of their delivery.

· Uniqueness. What differentiates and distinguishes you?

· Countenance. A smile and positive, optimistic body language go a long way.

The Seed Sower

Going For A Ride in the Way Back Machine

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Cinematic Observations

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Going For A Ride in the Way Back Machine

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779