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

Decorum

July 23, 2024

I came across a brief video where the speaker was addressing leadership effectiveness among prominent politicians. He was complementary of one person being bold and decisive in what they stood for contrasting that with another who was less adamant, even “wishy washy.” As I watched, I found myself less focused on the message and more attuned to how it was presented.

The messenger was passionate about his observations and beliefs, sprinkling in the “F-word,” several times in his short discourse. Though not considering myself prudish by any means I found myself wondering how and when we lost a sense of decorum and standards in our language. And it’s not just in the US.

The French appear to be the leaders in that category with over seven out of 100 residents using curse words online per year, followed closely by Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain.

Among generations, Z tops the leaderboard with the average 12–27-year-old verbally muttering profanity 24 times daily. Boomers are less than half that average at ten times each day. Not surprisingly men are saltier than women, but the margin is competitive: 22-18.

Once, during a barnstorming tour to attract new businesses to my geographical region at the time I was paired with a colleague whose language was so brusque and blustery that I found it wearisome. Attempting first to promote unity and comradery I hesitated before I finally commented upon his ribaldry, remarking that I didn’t feel it met the standards of professionalism and decorum we may want to convey. His response to me was disagreement further believing it would “attract and be relatable to prospects.”

Yelling, swearing and being overbearing were things Tony Dungy avoided during his 13-year head coaching career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. He believed there were better and more useful ways to get his message across to the players.

Rather than scream, Dungy taught.

Rather than curse, Dungy talked in a calming voice.

As opposed to overbearing, Dungy treated his players with respect.

"I think it was an approach that was outside of the box," former Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson said. "It was different because of how he was able to relate to players. He understood how things were done in the past and he took a different approach to doing it. Guys naturally respected him because of the way he conducted himself. You wanted to go out there and play for him. You felt like you didn't want to let him down."

Dungy first learned about being mild-mannered and respectful from his parents. He then realized that philosophy carried over to his job when he played safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1977.

Dungy got his first opportunity to carry out that philosophy in 1996 with the Buccaneers. Most players are accustomed to coaches who swear and yell a lot. Dungy told his players from the start that things wouldn't be that way in Tampa.

"I said, ‘This is the way I'm going to coach and if you need to be yelled and screamed at, I can hire another coach to be the screaming coach. Other than that, I'm just going to tell you what we need to do,' " he said.

Dungy didn't have any problems winning games that way. He led the Buccaneers and Colts to the playoffs in 11 of his 13 seasons coaching the two teams. The Colts won five division titles, reached the AFC Championship Game twice and won Super Bowl XLI.

New Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is also an adherent of positive reinforcement rather than cussing.

That sounds commendable, but, hold up … an SEC football coach who doesn’t curse? Jeepers! That’s something you don’t encounter regularly.

Some would consider DeBoer’s aversion to swear words refreshing. Others probably find it odd. How about linguistic creativity?

In other vocational fields, swearing does not necessarily equate to success. In the rugged world of stand-up comedy, Ellen Degeneres and Jim Gaffigan rarely use profanity of any kind. Jerry Seinfeld described cussing in one’s act as actually being lazy.

Author and consultant Phil Cooke counsels many leaders who falsely believe that carefully directed anger and occasional swearing strengthens their leadership position. Instead, he finds that:

· Real leaders never get to the place where anger or swearing is necessary to maintain their leadership.

· The minute you lose control, you’ve just telegraphed to your team that you’ve run out of real answers, and don’t have a clue what to do next.

Cooke goes on to say, “In many ways, swearing in the workplace is like taking risks with social media. For everyone that gets away with it, someone’s career is ruined. I can’t count the number of promising leaders in business and politics who hit the rocks because of a thoughtless email, Twitter post, or other social media blunder. Swearing can backfire just as easily. Consider the impact when it comes to your perception. A moment’s profane vent, could completely change your perception in the office or with customers or associates.”

How “clean” is your brand? How positively does it influence others? Are your words and expressions thoughtful, clever, creative, intelligent, upright, moral?

The Seed Sower

What's In A Name

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Decorum

READ MORE

What's In A Name

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779