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

Finding a Common Language

March 22, 2024

I called my daughter in law a couple of days ago to wish her a happy birthday. She shared that the weather where they live had been wildly variable as winter transitioned to spring. In fact, her daughter and my granddaughter had been pelted with what she described as “dime-sized hail.”

Thinking quickly, or so I thought, I asked what kind of impression FDR had left on her. A moment of silence ensued, and I realized that what I considered a deft remark had likely only brought puzzlement.

A different sense of humor?

In “Strawberry Fields,” The Beatles’ John Lennon sings “No one, I think is in my tree,” which presents at least two interpretations. One is that Lennon has an intellect and imagination all to himself, which can lead to his being misunderstood. Another thought is that the words are essentially nonsensical and sung for the purpose of stimulating thought as to “meaning” when there really is none. The joke is then on those of us wanting elucidation, when in actuality no logical explanation exists.

What is it like for those who immigrate to a different region of the world where the language is foreign? Someone whose native language is Spanish finding themselves in an area where a rare dialect of Mandarin is spoken? How about a fully sighted person in a braille library?

I recently had a conversation with a CODA. For those not familiar with the term, it refers to a “child of a deaf adult.” In 2021, the movie of the same name was released. It depicted a talented fully “hearing” young woman who as the only speaking member of her family was cast in the role of mediating between her family’s business in the fishing industry and customers. The tension revolves around the expectations of her parents to continue to be the communicative conduit for the business vs. seeking her own dreams as a musician and performer.

In considering that quandary, my friend offered a perspective I had not considered. As a product of a non-speaking environment, although she was fully capable of verbal communication, the first language she actually came to know was “signing.” Now she often finds herself “threading the needle” between two different worlds: one where she seeks to articulate effectively and congruently among those with full audial function and another where she attempts to navigate the standards of signing. I had not considered that sign communication, like verbal, has its own unique patterns and dialects, just as in the speaking world. And that is just as it relates to English, not to mention the plethora of world languages that adapt to signing.

So how do you know if you are connecting and finding common ground with others?

1. How much are you listening vs. speaking? Do you conscientiously apportion the time for each function? What would happen if you tried to limit your words to no more than 30% of the talking, using the approximate proportion of two ears and one mouth?

2. Where are your eyes focused? What might be distractive elements such as cell phones, large crowds, or background noise? Pocket the phone. Consider an alternative location to talk.

3. Does the other person appear engaged with you? If not, pause for a minute or change the pace. Check in. Ask, “are we on the same page?”

4. Stop multitasking. Should not the person that is the present company be the most important consideration at that moment?

5. Ask questions. Let your curiosity be aroused. Again, slow down the pace of the conversation. Ensure that you’re not coming across as “rushing” or hurrying the communication.

6. Repeat back what you’ve heard said. Summarize it. Verify that you have heard accurately.

7. Double check that the other person is comprehending your comments. Ask open-endedly, “how might I better explain what I’ve just said?”

8. Thank the other person for the opportunity to dialogue. Using terms such as thank you for the “privilege of your time,” can connote honor and demonstrate a connection of esteem.

I appreciate the creatively and verbally gifted, those who are quick thinkers and geniuses at “turning a phrase.” For all of us the challenge is to make sure that we first seek to share a common language with each other. Otherwise, it may not even be worth a dime.

The Seed Sower

Finding a Common Language

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Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779