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

It’s Not What You Are, It’s Who You Are

Nov. 15, 2022

A few days ago, I overheard a question that prompted a chuckle:

“Why do some husbands, (somewhat disrespectfully I might add), refer to their wives as the ‘old lady,’ while at the same time labeling their fathers as ‘the old man?’” Seems unparallel to me, but what do I know?

Oddly, the question did take me back to a mostly unrelated correlation from my last job.

In government service, position classification is an important and sensitive endeavor for not just human resources staff, but the employees who are impacted by it. For the uninitiated, the premise is that each job has a certain monetary value based on either or both the mental and physical difficulty of the assignment, the degree of independent decision making involved, and a variety of other considerations. Further, and paramount, a determination must be made as to the market value of the job. In other words, will the way this position is classified and rated allow the organization to effectively compete for talent and hopefully “good” talent at that.

In the public sector, the classification of jobs is usually well known by all. It is public information. Given that financial remuneration is often the most sensitive component of the employment relationship, classification is commonly a volatile matter. Incumbents in a job can feel they deserve a higher classification, translating to a pay scale that promises greater present and future reward. Just as typical is the plight of another employee who benefits from their reclassification, drawing the displeasure of those not as fortunate. The refrain: “it’s not fair, just, or right,” echoes from those feeling “disrespect.”

The creative lengths that some go to “gussy up” their job titles are fascinating. For example, an “Office Services Representative,” whose primary function might include any or all of the responsibilities of data entry, customer service, or file management might argue that the “degree of difficulty” for their position is greater than someone with the same title in another area, because their customers tend to be more “demanding.”

As for me, I would chortle that I could be called “Head Bottle Washer,” so long as the remuneration was all the same. Many did not share my sense of humor.

To each of us is ascribed a label or a title. We give them to ourselves; others give them to us: doctor, lawyer, engineer, accountant, mason, carpenter, husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter. They describe WHAT we do, a designation.

A common exercise I challenge not only career, but life coaching clients with is their “elevator pitch.” The elevator pitch is based on the premise that if you had 30-45 seconds to ride up or down an elevator with a total stranger, WHO would you say you are. Notice WHO, not WHAT.

Our natural response is to take the label route of “I am this or that” and then reference a title. What if instead of the usual generic response, you were to share a remarkably memorable “title less” response?

Such as in a sales business setting:

“It’s so great to finally meet you. How is business going? I heard you’ve been struggling with communication issues. My team and I struggled with that too. It wasn’t until we added project management software into our routine that we really saw an improvement in teamwork and overall communication. I hope you find a solution that works for your team.”

In a job interview:

“I’m Kelly, with Apollo Enterprises. I chose a career in project management because I had a passion for it, and now I can proudly say that I’ve been able to make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why I’m looking to continue my career with an employer who shares those same values. I know my unique skills can make a big impact at your company because I’ve proven my results with a few key projects.”

See in both these instances how the individual turned the introduction around to be not so much about “them,” but rather the other person. They skirted around the temptation to “label.”

How about in more of a social environment:

“I find the outdoors to be invigorating. How about you, (asking of the other person) what do you enjoy?” If that makes a “connection” then the outdoorsman may go on to ask about where the other person may have been: have you had a chance to hike the Appalachian Trail, fly fish in Colorado, or snorkel or dive in the Caribbean? See the beauty of a relationship being built with a minimal focus on status or title.

Next time someone asks, what will be your pitch? Who will you say you are?

The Seed Sower

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Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779