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

The Nobility of Public Service

January 18, 2021

A time-honored tradition of representative democracy is tolerance of dissent. As such each of us has a right to express our viewpoints, opinions, and ideas as to what is inefficient, wasteful, and dysfunctional.

One of my neighbors was a highly intelligent and well read follower of government decision making and actions at local, state, and federal levels. Sharp and articulate both verbally and in writing our dialogue sometimes meandered into his most recent ramblings about street and infrastructure disrepair, wasteful spending, and compromises of integrity. Resolution of the state of affairs often concluded in a stalemate over a couple of beers and a gradual digression into conversation about sports.

On more than an occasion or two as he was conducting his discourse, holding me in rapt attention, I would interrupt with, “That really is a good idea. What a pity you’re not holding a public office.” Admittedly part genuine and part patronizing on my behalf. At that point he would demur, citing work and family obligations, disinterest in political involvement, and nod to a green, yet overgrown lawn.

A fundamental concept of government is to provide public services that are otherwise unattainable for most of us, especially in urban and developed settings. As an example, take the dwellings we reside in. Local government provides us with clean water, sanitary sewer, thoroughfares, fire and police protection, and a host of other services. The provision of each of them is made available through the economies of scale we share with our neighbors. For most of us, were we to contract any of these services on our own it would not only be inefficient, but cost prohibitive as well.

The January 6 attack on our federal government was shameful. Further, as a former 31 year employee at the local government level any assault on our regulatory and legislative systems strikes a nerve. Unfortunately it is not a new development. It has now been 34 years since the Edmond, OK Post Office shooting. The massacre at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in that same state came just nine years afterwards. The Columbine High School incident in Colorado is now 22 years ago. It would be inaccurate were I not to admit that there were times I felt threatened or unsafe. Lucky was I that matters never escalated beyond that.

Aside from physical concerns, far more common are the criticisms. For one, since government service is funded by the tax paying public almost everything about the organization and its operations is an open record for residents: decision making, budgets, regulations, employee salaries. The difficult conversations I recall were often at public places such as the soccer fields or the super market:

“How come the building department denied my permit?”

“When is the highway division going to repair my street?”

“I see that you got a pay raise!” or “I can’t believe that’s what they’re paying you!”

In spite of the perils and frustrations in my own career, and even considering the most recent events, I reflect back on time in public service with pride and gratitude. Regardless of the political leanings or faith beliefs of my colleagues we all sought to live up to the mission of our organization to provide a service to the best of our respective capacities. What were to high points?

For one, it was interesting work. There was always a sense of knowing the “pulse” of the community, what was going on, and who the main players were, be they heroes or villains.
The fine men and women in protective service environments, such as Fire and Police, demonstrated high levels of professionalism and bravery, integrity, and the ability bring order to situations previously comprised of chaos and confusion.
There were opportunities to build foundations to spur community investment, foster economic development, or serve those who were in great need.
Each day, there was a genuine opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone else.
For the most part, co-workers shared the same passion for seeking service above self.
Finally, it was a noble career choice. As in a variety of other service environments, what can be of any greater good than having an opportunity to help others?

In consult to Career Development clients, it is enlightening that very few entertain thought of pursuing public sector work, at least initially. Perhaps it is partly some of the previously shared concerns, notions about compensation levels below market, or even lack of awareness. Simultaneously more and more job seekers, I find, express a drive to identify employment where they not only achieve a sense of fulfillment, but have a chance to serve and find altruistic benefit, too.

Public service not only provides that opportunity, but in addition needs loyal and dedicated employees more than ever as well.

The Seed Sower

Gratitude...Closing the Book on 2020

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

The Nobility of Public Service

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Gratitude...Closing the Book on 2020

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779