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

Court Presence

March 22, 2022

Metaphorical illustration is used not only in coaching, but by many of us in attempting to connect with others. For example, in the case of communicating with a musician it can be useful to describe a work team as being in rhythm, not unlike a well-tuned professional orchestra. Someone who appreciates a fine wine might also relate to how scientific discovery also takes years of work, precision, and time to come near to perfection.

Recently I was working with a client, who like me, is very much into sports and in particular basketball. As so many of us are now enmeshed in the March Madness of college hoops it provided an outstanding opportunity to draw parallels from the hardwood and apply them to what we experience occupationally, even if the worlds in which we operate have little connection with athletics.

We discussed job roles. If we are part of a team at work, what does our job description require? Are we the CEO, who is like a head coach in that she will ultimately be responsible for directing the game plan or strategy, reaping the rewards of “brilliance” in the instance of a success or “win” or face blame when there is failure and sometimes even an embarrassment?

The top salespeople in an organization can often be like the leading scorers. If they are “off” giving a sales pitch then no matter the quality of the product, the team can’t thrive without a close. In the instance of those “losses,” what adjustments need to be made so that a better outcome can be achieved in the future? Like studying up on an opponent, that may include going back to the drawing board to determine buyer tendencies, or the salesman practicing his presentation, much as a basketball team will study game film and plot out a new strategy aimed at more favorable results.

Preparation, even when considered by others as silly, can reap great reward. Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden would have his star athletes remove their shoes and socks on the first day of practice. Coach would then speak meticulously about how pulling on socks without wrinkles and tying sneakers snugly so that that there was no room for the shoe to rub or the sock to bunch up was critical. Because, as coach said, “if there are wrinkles in your socks, or your shoes aren’t tied properly, you will develop blisters. With blisters, you’ll miss practice. If you miss practice, you don’t play. And if you don’t play, we cannot win.”

What is the personality of your team? Does it tend to be risk adverse and traditional, based on a consistent formula of taking the time for a high percentage shot from close range and then relying on a strong adherence to fundamentals? Or conversely is your team more bold and flashy, unhesitant to launch three point shots attempts and accepting that converting one out of three from long range is just as effective as one out of two from near distance? A fast break, much like instant revenue, can be exciting, but does your team have the wherewithal to recognize if it “has numbers” and if not to pull back and engage in a more set pattern.

How well do you anticipate events that may happen? As an opponent comes to set a screen while you’re playing defense, do you feel for that pick and either fight around it or switch off with one of your teammates? How well are you communicating with each other not only on the court, but on the shop floor? Might that screen be tantamount to a slippery, greasy spot in a work area. How ‘bout a heads up to the Client Services Manager that a less than happy customer wants to talk. And should things not be going so well, how effective might it be to “call a time out,” take a deep breath, settle things down, and reset?

With so much focus on the present, what preparations are being made for the future? Your organization has a strong staff now, but is there bench strength to ensure you stay on top? These past couple of years of Covid exposed many organizational shortcomings and resulted in retirements and departures of key personnel. Like a basketball team, who is being developed and groomed for the seasons ahead?

During March Madness the stakes could not be any greater. Lose one you’re done, and you return to your college campus to consider what might have been. Some may have completed amateur eligibility and are off to the pros or more likely to become a professional in another field outside of competitive athletics. For many, however, there will be another season in less than a year and an opportunity to try again.

What lessons can you glean from basketball, your own athletic career, or another competitive pursuit to where you are now in your occupational profession?

The Seed Sower

Margins

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Court Presence

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Margins

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779