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

Applying Love Languages

Feb. 25, 2023

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13: 13

As this short month draws to a close and we soon look ahead to plants blossoming and grass greening many places, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been since last week that we celebrated the traditional day of love, Valentine’s Day. I thought I did pretty good: flowers, a card, a lovely dinner. And we did have a lovely evening. I was especially encouraged that day that by the time I made my card selection, the aisle was nearly devoid of choice on the “wife” side, whereas options on the “husband” shelves remained abundant. Good job guys!

It’s been more than 30 years since Gary Chapman authored “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate.” Primarily styled for marriages, Chapman categorizes these expressions into acts of service, gift giving, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation. The author suggests that to discover another person’s love language, we must first observe the way they express love to others and analyze what they complain about most often and what they request from their significant other most often. He goes on to theorize that people tend to naturally give love in the way that they prefer to receive love, and better communication between couples can be accomplished when one can demonstrate caring to the other person in the love language the recipient understands.

An example would be if a husband’s love language is acts of service, he may be confused when he does the laundry and his wife does not perceive that as an act of love, viewing it as simply performing household duties because the love language she comprehends is words of affirmation (such as “I love you.”). She may try to use what she values, words of affirmation, to express her love to him, which he would not value as much as she does. Conversely, if she were to mow the lawn for him, bingo!

As I thought more about love languages, I realized that the application goes beyond relationship with our significant other and relates well too to children, friends, and co-workers. In fact, several years later Chapman authored a book entitled “The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.” I note the “turn a phrase” from love to appreciation in the latter publication. The workplace would seem to have a hang up about love, aligning it with sexual fraternization I would presume, but that’s a dive for another time.

I did think back to my days as a Human Resources Director in a large organization and re-examined how these tenets may have been applied. The first step was learning enough about a co-worker to exercise the tool.

I’ve written before about one employee in the past who I found out loathed spoken praise, public or private. The “gold stars” and “atta-a-girls” on performance evaluations provoked embarrassment and discomfort. Instead, quality time in the form of one-on-one engagement discussing outdoor recreation or an upcoming music festival brought connection and commonality. It was a valuable lesson learned.

Simple, spontaneous, unelaborate celebrations not only marked milestones achieved, but tended to be comfortable and unpretentious occasions for all. One of the joys of living in the Midwest was a frozen custard treat and no two names of that delectable delicacy were more synonymous than St. Louis and Ted Drewes. In my last assignment there I would make a run to pick up some cartons three or four times a year and call a staff break for frozen custard, toppings, and a bit of community. For those who relished the expression of unexpected gifts it was a highly valued indulgence.

Words of affirmation are powerful. For me personally, it is my love language. Undoubtedly it was one of the reasons I adopted this practice; looking back I regret not having done it more. Although there were stellar performance evaluations and awards of merit to be doled out, it was neither of these decorations that were most meaningful. In this era of texts and emails few things are more appreciated than the thought and simplicity of a handwritten note of thanks and acknowledgement. Even more potent was when those messages were stamped and mailed to the employee’s home. Few things as a leader gave me more joy than visualizing an employee opening that jotting and sharing with their family their achievement and accolade.

Though physical touch can be tricky in workplaces, much the same effect can be achieved through non-verbal expression. A smile, a look of concern, aid to someone who is physically challenged are all gestures that convey warmth, caring, and compassion.

Finally, acts of service come naturally to nearly each of us. And they can come in ways most unexpected. In that same workplace in St. Louis there was a young man who profusely thanked me for providing moral direction to him on an issue of significant importance. Quite frankly I do not recall ever communicating to him what was alleged. Nonetheless I will always relish his speaking out his own words of affirmation and taking his quality time to provide his act of service to me.

The Seed Sower

Difference Making

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Applying Love Languages

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Difference Making

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779