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

Discernment

September 17, 2024

Who we are surrounded by will largely determine our future and who we are as people.

We are usually either born or adopted into our families of origin. That is an inescapable given, for better or worse. Brother, sisters, and cousins are often our earliest “peer” connections prior to childcare, pre-school, and eventually school. Aside from parental and adult direction we learn a lot from these earliest “networks” about playing well with others, fairness, and integrity.

Even as children we’ll surround ourselves with others with whom we have a shared set of values, beliefs, and morals that establishes the starting foundation as to how we will discern the efficacy of business and personal relationships throughout our lives.

Best-selling author Jacob Morgan wrote that we become who surrounds us.

“If you surround yourself with negative people, you’ll become negative. But if you surround yourself with successful, growth-minded people, you’ll become successful too.

I experienced this firsthand. For years, I surrounded myself with those who didn’t support or encourage me and who brought me down instead of supporting my dreams. And over time, I realized that my mindset was changing to match theirs.

I realized I had to make a change. I got rid of a lot of people in my circle and chose to surround myself with positive people who encouraged my new ideas, personally and professionally. And it made all the difference in my goals and growth.

The habits of the people you surround yourself with rub off on you. Who you surround yourself with reflects who you are and who you can become. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be your best self.”

In the book of Galatians Paul encourages alignment with the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I have found these qualities exist among a broad array of people regardless of race, nationalities, perspectives, gender, political preferences, and even across many faiths. How do you identify those possessing these traits?

First, start with trial and error. I was introduced to a person, and we considered a business relationship. We had a couple of discussions to get to know one another. During our second meeting I discerned a feeling in my gut that this prospective relationship was not going to be mutually beneficial for either of us. The hoped for synergy simply didn’t exist. We each felt that way, respected our instincts, and verbalized it. The moral is that the honest conversation did not sever our connection: in fact, we agreed to collaborate on a different project down the road. Your gut is worth trusting.

Second, does their presence and example seem to help unlock your potential instead of holding you back? For the past year I have been engaged in a book project, with that piece on schedule to come out later this fall. Earlier, the editor had returned my first manuscript with literally hundreds of grammatical corrections and suggestions. My initial reaction was defensive, but after stepping back to more carefully review and rationalize I eventually came to agree with probably 99% of her recommendations. Though it may have hurt a little bit, she made my publication stronger and more coherent. More importantly she did it respectfully. Should I have another project down the road, I will use her services again.

There are other questions to consider when discerning relationships:

1. Does this person help make you a better version of yourself?

2. Do they build you up or tear you down?

3. Do they help you see things from a different perspective while at the same not tempt you to forfeit your values?

4. How do their values align with yours?

5. Does there seem to be a balance of giving and receiving? That does not necessarily equate to who talks the most and least. Could it be that by your allowing them time to speak, and be heard, that they benefit, while you absorb pieces of valuable wisdom and insight?

One of my best bosses was a gifted orator. In fact, given a 60 minute discussion, his words likely absorbed 58 minutes of our time together. Yet from those orations, I learned and applied many of his philosophies. I was further amazed that at the conclusion of those discussions he was often able to almost magically “read” my reactions, thoughts, and opinions. I still wonder how he did that.

Barbara Huson, a wealth coach, suggests that we surround ourselves with five types of people:

1. People who firmly believe in you.

2. Trusted friends who have your back.

3. People who have been “there” and can show you the way.

4. Messengers, those who have information useful to you.

5. Naysayers, because they will challenge you to achieve beyond what you may think is possible.

It’s never too late to become an even better version of ourselves. Who do you want to become? Then surround yourself with people who will help you get there.

The Seed Sower

TURNOVERS

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Discernment

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TURNOVERS

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779