War Win Above Replacement

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

WAR Wins Above Replacement

June 19, 2025

Not to be confused with armed conflict, W.A.R. is a term most inherent to the sport of baseball. Its initials stand for “wins above replacement.”

It is a rough gauge suggesting how many more wins were theoretically earned by a team having a certain player on a team vs. an “average,” readily available, typically lower-level player. It is calculated through incorporating such factors as offensive production, defensive performance, and league averages, weighing in the difficulty of their position, shortstop or pitcher, for example as well.

The higher the WAR, the more valuable the player. For instance, a player with a WAR of 5.0 is considered to have added five more wins to their team compared to a replacement level player. In major league baseball, which demands a 162-game regular season, five wins can still be significant, separating not only playoff eligible teams from competitors, but determining home field advantage when the post-season arrives.

As of June 16, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge boasted a WAR of 5.4. The Yankees had 42 wins and led their division in the American League. WAR suggests that without Judge, the Yankees would have only 37 wins and would occupy third place in their division.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has been a designated hitter and outfielder as well as a pitcher, had a WAR of 3.6. Like the Yankees, the Dodgers also led their division in the National League. Were the nearly four wins that Ohtani has provided the Dodgers to be scratched, they too would drop to third place in their division.

How might WAR apply to you and me?

Granted. few of us are professional athletes. In addition, our compensation pales compared to those of a major leaguer, where the average player salary this season slightly exceeds $5 MM. Yet we each have some standard of evaluation in what we do. What level of sales do we generate? How effectively do we respond to customers? Even in our personal lives are we contributing a fair share to the success of our families?

I’ve introduced the concept of WAR to some of my executive and career coaching clients, not so much from the standpoint of cranking out the sophisticated statistical algorithms from the world of sports, but rather as more a statement of value. Allow me to explain.

A sales professional between jobs and seeking a new role lands a job interview. They are asked during the interview to elaborate on an achievement. A possible response might include that under their leadership, sales in their work unit achieved an all-time inflation adjusted high in the past year, increasing by 15% over the prior year. During their five-year period before that, average year over year sales increased 9% annually, compared to a 5% average in the other work areas of that organization. The 4% margin by comparison presented an actual annual increase in revenue of $1.7 MM. Further they might point out the industry average across all companies in that sector was 2% annual growth.

In other words, the metrics were exemplary.

Not all of us are in professions where worth is easily quantified. A customer relationship manager may be able to measure client satisfaction through survey ratings, though. Far more valuable are likely the customer comments. “Mary and her team provided an experience far exceeding typical expectations.” “John and his crew delivered service that was professional, prompt, and set new high standards. I will be recommending his company to my friends and colleagues.”

Even more powerful are the tales that speak to character and heart. “As a claims adjuster Sally went the extra mile when our home was destroyed by a weather event. We were not only heartbroken at losing everything, but hungry and shelter less. She stayed with us throughout the ordeal, providing more than expected. What would we have done without her?”

The sales professional. Mary. John. Sally. Achieving. Going beyond. All providing exceptional value.

Among my clients and prospects these days I hear stories of uncertainty. Is my job stable? Do I need to be seeking other opportunities? Where do I begin?

Each of us is a product that offers value. We may not be flashy. We may not work in a capacity that lends itself to easily measurable key performance indicators. Maybe

impeccable character and heart are our best assets. One thing is for certain for any of us, though. There are one or more things that you offer in your profession that you do better than most for which you provide wins above replacement. What might that be? Who need to know it?

The Seed Sower

Critical Conversations

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

WAR Wins Above Replacement

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Critical Conversations

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779