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

Enlarging Territories: Networking

January 15, 2020

An Old Testament Biblical verse from 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10 contains an otherwise obscure passage, the prayer of Jabez. In it we learn:

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying ‘Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from the evil one.’ And God granted his request.”

Mentioned sparingly in the Bible, most know little of Jabez except that he was well respected.

Author Bruce Wilkinson penned a book 20 years ago based on these five sentences, some embracing its message, others critical that it misleadingly fostered a missive of prosperity and wealth. Regardless of your take, there are three words in these verses that I find absolutely fascinating.

“Enlarge my territory”

What do these words mean? Do they suggest the acquisition of real estate? Greater responsibility in vocation? More resources and wealth?

The first of a year can be a busy time for a Career Coach. New Year’s resolutions for prospective clients might include seeking different employment or even an altogether new career. They may be considering more challenging work assignments, relocation for any variety of reasons, or the opportunity for greater compensatory reward.

Preparing for occupational change requires an assessment of our talents and skills, a review of the resume, and identification of employment targets, to be sure. In spite of our planning and searching, however, the reality is that likely 80% of job placements are for positions that are not publicly communicated. Rather these opportunities come about as a result of contacts job seekers either know, are introduced to, or assertively pursue. Some call it networking. I often refer to it as “territory enlargement.”

There are a couple of ways to network. One is the traditional “cocktail party” approach where business cards and pleasantries are exchanged. Another is communicating with family members, friends, and associates that you are aiming to change employment. Between these two actions, likely the latter will yield greater success, although it presents the challenges of a current employer potentially learning about that job hunt.

A better tactic to networking involves not even directly making a contact with the friend or associate about a job, but rather scheduling a “research” breakfast, coffee, or lunch meeting of short duration. The introductory call may go like:

“I am doing some research about your industry and wondered if you might have time for a brief conversation. I am interested in learning about the challenges and opportunities you face, how you deal with them, and what your expectations are going forward.”

Although we can all respect those with a busy schedule, who of us is not honored that someone is truly interested in what we do. Often we’ll make the time.

Once the appointment is secured come to the meeting not so much equipped with a resume, but rather a professional binder for note taking. Some other good questions to ask face-to face might include:

What is your industry doing that is working or not working?
What are some of the challenges or obstacles you see at this time and how do you think they are best overcome?
If you were in transition right now, where and how would you align yourself to be in the most advantageous position for the long run?
How flexible or adaptable has your company been to change? What are some of the opportunities that can be leveraged to move the company successfully forward?

Where appropriate be prepared during the conversation to interject some personal experiences you may have had that pertain to the discussion. What is helpful and impressive is sharing similar situations you may have faced, what the obstacles were, the actions you took, and results you achieved.

At the conclusion of the meeting your binder will contain a list of other organizations and contacts who you also plan to meet. You will present your list to your contact and ask, “are there other names and organizations that I should have on this list?” Their name and the name of their enterprise will also be on that sheet. It is highly likely that they will either give you an additional contact, or more, or were so impressed with your direct and professional approach that you have gotten an interview without actually going through the process.

Follow up with a thank you note for their time; handwritten is even better. At best you may have forged an opportunity for yourself; at worst you have networked creatively by receiving an informal interview…and enlarged your territory.

The Seed Sower

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Enlarging Territories: Networking

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779