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

Gratitude…Closing the Book on 2020

December 14, 2020

By golly, has not this year been one heck of a ride? How might you summarize it? What words come to mind?

Dark
Troubling
Hopeless
Covid

And what about phrases?

Civil Unrest
High Unemployment
Political Tension
People Dying

A glass that perpetually seems half, if not fully empty. Or is it?

In “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl provides his account of imprisonment at Auschwitz and other concentration camps for three years during World War II. An eminent psychiatrist, he wondered why some of his fellow prisoners were able to not only survive horrifying conditions, but grew in the process. His conclusion: the most basic human motivation is the will to find meaning, which became the basis of a groundbreaking psychological theory, logotherapy.

Though far be it to compare the experiences of 2020 to the atrocities faced by Frankl, each of us has at least felt shackled to some degree. Yet in the imprisonment of our own minds, might there be a few things for which to give thanks and to find our own meaning?

What about technology? Though much maligned, Zoom and FaceTime have connected us for both business and pleasure with friends, an amazing technology. Perish the thought of what this almost 300 day period we’re now in would have been like in a more primitive era, such as during the Spanish Flu.
On the horizon is a vaccine. Hats off to the scientists around the world who have worked tirelessly to develop such a promising anecdote.
Rest. Being home is conducive to better sleep patterns. A less frenetic pace has also diminished commuting, allowed for greater family togetherness, and deeper connection with loved ones.
Though many have been impacted by the misfortune of job loss, spending has also diminished. Less travel, entertainment, and dining options have translated to greater thrift.
Likewise, confinement to the sanctity of one’s own home propagated a desire for remodels and a variety of other projects. Home gardens are enjoying a renaissance.
Creativity and resourcefulness. Without a doubt many of us have been caused to think differently. Instead of having one source of employment, what has it looked like to cobble together two, three, or more part-time vocations? International business takes place home-to-home rather than office-to-office. Less jet lag. Once avant garde ideas of commerce and enterprise are now ripe for action.

As a Career and Life Coach, I have had a blessed year for many of the same reasons mentioned. Foremost, I have been fortunate so far to evade Covid. Further, people have been looking for answers, direction, and inspiration, a time for which coaches are well positioned. More so, client connection has stretched me. Those from different origins, genders, and ethnicities have provided fresh perspective. Rich stories from others have presented learning from a wide variety of previously unfamiliar occupational paths and interests.

Personally, I’ve been immeasurably fortunate to be the recipient of friendship and fellowship. The kind who can “take it” as well as they “dish it out.” There are those who I have pedaled alongside of, either in a Spinning class or on the roads and trails. Coaching colleagues, too. Other couples, near and dear to my wife and me, both local and from our stops during the journeys of life. The togetherness that’s felt during the times of laughter, and often the belly shaking and tearful kind not unlike what was experienced back in the days of adolescence have been of huge comfort.

Finally, there’s the gift of family. I’ve watched my daughter not only blossom into a responsible adult, but become the kind of wife and mother to be envied by other young couples. My son daily lives out his love of country as a patriot of the armed services while devoting his civilian hours with honor as a father to his young son.

Then there is my wife of 40 years. A light to all she encounters. Possessing the highest degree of integrity and moral value. Gifted with a God given ability to look at things from a different lens, which she applies in her work as a designer. A soul who has stuck with and supported me through the darkest of times. The love of my life.

In wrapping up, if it is God’s will, I can’t wait to apply the lessons learned from this season of darkness, trouble, and hopelessness into a better tomorrow. I offer my very best to you and yours for good health, joy, and a most blessed Christmas, Holiday Season, and pleasant and prosperous start to 2021.

The Seed Sower

Problems Problems

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Gratitude…Closing the Book on 2020

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Problems Problems

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779