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

Making “A’s” Without an “A” Game

November 28, 2018

Each of us faces days where we just don’t “have it.” Those who rely on the spoken word find difficulty with expression and annunciation. Others that exert themselves physically find their strength compromised and stamina diminished. Writers experience “block.” Athletes such as baseball pitchers can’t seem to direct the ball over the plate; golfers struggle for solid impact with their 2-iron.

When these times occur how do you compensate?

I posed this question to an executive client recently. A bright young man, he was sharing with me his philosophies for communicating with not only peers and subordinate staff, but customers as well. Highly and impressively articulate during our conversation verbiage seemed to flow effortlessly from his tongue. It was clearly apparent that he had a remarkable gift for dazzling people with linguistic mastery.

His response to me about compensating for his “off” days was simple: “I focus on listening well.”

I considered his answer in the context of not just work, but finances, health, and relationships as well, The Big Tripod, as I call it.

Money. Almost everyone has faced, will face, or is now dealing with financial challenges. Bills pile up. At just about the time there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel, another surprise comes in the mail.

How do you react? There are some good fixes. Prayer can be an ultimate remedy. Developing a budget, following a careful tracking of current expenditures is also a start. Seeking advice from a financial counselor is beneficial. Each of these solutions includes one common element, however: action. Act to consult Scripture to research passages related to money management. Begin collecting receipts of payments, bills, and expenses over the next 30 days to determine outflows and evaluate that vs. inflows. Contact a financial advisor and ask for assistance in developing a workable plan.

Health. Too often we take it for granted. Cold and flu season is upon us. During those times that we feel just a little bit off, maybe it’s a good chance for one of your best, trusted employees to make the presentation in your stead. Check an easy item or two off that day’s “To Do” list. If you’re really under the weather, be considerate of others. Stay home. For many work these days can be conducted remotely.

More serious health issues requiring an extended period of incapacitation will require humility. Allowing others to assist actually helps and fills them. Convalescence can also be a time of reflection. Many who feel up to it turn to writing, art, and study. In the late 19thcentury Civil Engineer John Roebling became disabled as a result of an incident from a project he was working on. For the next 13 years he was unable to visit that job site due to his condition. That assignment was nonetheless completed through communications with his nurse, companion, confidant, and…wife, Emily.

Today we can still enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge.

Not only do we marvel at the feat that was that edifice, but perhaps more so at the marriage partnership of the Roeblings.

Relationships. Like a ship at sea there are ebbs and flows. Sometimes the waters are calm, the weather delightful, sailor morale high. Other days are fussy, off kilter, maybe downright nasty. As is the case with financial hardships, relationships require action during these times. Approach the health of that relationship with humility.

Sage wisdom can be gleaned from the advice of that young executive—focus on listening well. The late Leadership Guru, Stephen Covey’s third tenet of highly effective leaders, “seek first to understand…” is not a bad “go to.”

Inspiration comes from leaders, athletes, and members of the clergy who rose to the occasion in spite of afflictions, illnesses, and hardships. Franklin Roosevelt was stricken by polio prior to being elected as our 32ndPresident. Seeking to be an example to a nation that was then in the throes of economic depression he reached back for his greatest mental and physical strength, dragging cumbersome leg braces to the podium to rally a hurting populace.

During the 1997 NBA Finals, a flu-stricken, dehydrated, and exhausted Michael Jordan scored 38 points against the Utah Jazz, almost singlehandedly willing the Chicago Bulls to a critical game five win in that series.

Pastor Peter Marshall grew up in Scotland and came to America for seminary. Here he met wife Catherine, who was soon felled by tuberculosis. Eventually, she recovered, however, caring for her, their small son, and a growing pastorate eventually took a toll on his own health. Still his spiritual path took him to the honorable position of chaplain of the US Senate. Prior to his passing of heart disease at the age of 47, Marshall remarked, “The measure of life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.”

The Seed Sower

Making “A’s” Without an “A” Game

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Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779