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

Adaptability: Planning, Preparation, Disappointment, Resilience, and Alternative Reward

June 15, 2023

The young girl grew up thinking of that day when her dad walked her down the aisle on a brilliant sun splashed day to marry the groom of their dreams. The chapel resplendent in decoration, attendants, family, and friends gathered for the special occasion. Everything is perfect, a joyous celebration, the beginning of “happily ever after.”

He strolls to the plate. The bases are loaded, last at bat, with two outs in the championship game. The team trails by one run. Everything he has worked for is on the line. Years of first playing catch with dad, sacrifices for Little League practices and games, hard work and diligence leading to this moment, what was planned for, what was meant to be. The time is now.

They had had their eye on that place in the mountains for years. Scrimping and saving every spare dollar, carefully allocating funds to that one purpose, that aspiration. Savoring the enjoyment of those cool crisp summers, and later freshly fallen powdery snow, ripe for an array of winter sports and cozy nights in front of the fireplace.

Reality.

The wedding day brings rain showers. Funding is tight; there will not be enough for a large ceremony: in fact, a more likely scenario is a visit to meet with the Justice of the Peace. Or she was 25, 35, and is now 45 still waiting for that proposal.

After “taking” five pitches, it is now a three ball, two strike count. The sixth pitch is smashed down the left field line, inches from a game ending double. He takes the next pitch high and inside yet clipping just enough of the zone for a called third strike, game over.

And, that home in the mountains? He unexpectedly became ill mere days before closing on the property. Treatment would be expensive and once healed, his condition would not be conducive to high altitudes. Further, daughter had just lost her job. With her husband, their two kids, and only income from unemployment they were going to need a place to stay.

Life happens. We plan and make our preparations only to learn that circumstances end up being not what was expected. How well are you equipped to adjust? What is your level of resilience?

We are often called to improvise and adlib, yet it doesn’t mean we don’t seek to plan, prepare, and anticipate. Coaches and players at the highest levels of professional sports go to intricate lengths to increase their opportunities for success. Plans are made to respond to the expectations and tendencies of the opponent only to learn early in the contest that the other team has developed a completely different “alternate surprise” strategy, catching your squad fully off guard. The tactic has proven successful, yet there is still time to adjust. How do you come to an acceptance of the change and re-route your game plan, while there is still time? How nimble and deft are you to tap dance and seek different solutions? How have you learned and grown from the experience?

The Different Outcome.

The bride got married in a small civil ceremony. A few family members were able to attend. Not much fanfare. She didn’t abandon her dream from long ago, worked hard, saved, and launched a simple business as a wedding planner, recalling her passion and desire to now create special memories for others than herself. The enterprise flourished and became wildly successful, enabling her and her husband to celebrate the renewal of their vows on their 25th wedding anniversary gala in front of a throng of family, friends, and those she had provided bridal services to through the years. A different experience than once dreamt, yet so much richer.

Despite disappointment, he couldn’t help but love the game. He became an ardent student of fundamentals, technique, and strategy, dedicating himself to the intricacies of America’s pastime. His abilities as not only a teacher, but a mentor to countless young men, positioned him to return to his alma mater as head baseball coach. An epic rally in the bottom of the 9th inning brought not only the spoils of victory and that long desired championship, but the distinction of his being named coach of the year.

After recovering from his illness, he discovered that his passion was not so much confined to dreams of a place in the mountains, but rather the concept of resort property investment. With his wife, daughter, and son-in-law they made best use of their proximity to one another. A business launched, eventually becoming an extreme success. The daughter and her plight of unemployment was resolved. Although a place in the mountains was still not to be in the cards, a wide variety of world destinations and travel was now at his disposal.

My friends, life circumstances change. When we retreat into the locker room of life at half time, we may find that things may not have turned out as we might have hoped to that point. How can you adjust to the new reality? Might there even exist a better outcome for you and me than we may have ever imagined in our initial dreams? Don’t give up!

The Seed Sower

Four Taillights

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Adaptability: Planning, Preparation, Disappointment, Resilience, and Alternative Reward

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Four Taillights

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779