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

Lemons to Lemonade

June 2, 2021

In 1961 Marty Robbins had already enjoyed success on country and pop charts through such ballads as “A White Sport Coat” and “El Paso.” Yet one of his more interesting numbers could well have been “Don’t Worry,” another crossover tune. Through error, the track became one of the earliest examples of guitar distortion. Session guitarist Grady Martin relied on a faulty channel in the mixing desk for his six-string bass, to eventually create what would be a distorted, fuzzy sound, not too unlike what one might expect from a blown amplifier.

Billy Swan was another reasonably successful rock and country writing and recording artist in the 1970’s. In 1974 he charted his most successful release, “I Can Help,” which peaked at #1 on the country list and #6 on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary Singles for pop. Distinctive, from the soft sounds of a borrowed Farfisa keyboard, perhaps even more remarkable was the applause and encouragement of session musicians at the end of the number. You see, Billy had recently taken ownership of a German Shepherd puppy, Bowser, who was already faithfully at his side during the recording, gnawing and tugging on his trousers throughout the number. The response at the conclusion was one of admiration for Billy Swan having triple tasked singing, keyboarding, and swatting away a playful canine.

With 30 seconds remaining in an AFC divisional playoff game between the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Steelers were desperately trying to rally at home from a one-point deficit. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw scrambled back to pass to receiver John Fuqua, only to have that pass deflect off the helmet of Raider Safety Jack Tatum and hands of Fuqua, or just Fuqua, and be grasped by fullback Franco Harris, who scampered into the end zone for the winning score. A controversial “mistake” it still has its place as “The Greatest Play in NFL History” in the NFL Network’s 100 Series.

While on assignment in Hawaii many years ago, I was introduced to a man there with his family. Vaguely familiar, I engaged with him in discussion about where he was from, what they were doing in the islands, and more about his family. His oldest daughter apparently was in Hawaii to play the harp at an event. Thirty seconds after he walked away I came to a realization of who he was and felt immediately embarrassed at my lack of awareness. The man was Ed Smart. His daughter, Elizabeth, had not long before been rescued from several months of captivity by a kidnapper. I should have known him: he and Ms. Smart had been on TV for days and weeks pleading for her safe return. What a fool I was.

My friend who made the introduction came back to report that Mr. Smart was grateful for his rare moment of anonymity and wanted pass on that I had provided a rare moment to breathe. My ignorance had in a strange way served as a blessing.

Each of us should rightfully take pride in our achievements. When working with Career Coaching clients and especially helping them prepare resumes, LinkedIn, and other social media profiles, we invariably build stories that promote their best accomplishments. We focus on situations they’ve faced, obstacles that were before them, and actions they devised in order to bring about favorable outcomes. When preparing them for job interviews, however, I’ll often present an alternative tactic. One of the questions may be something along the lines of “What is your greatest regret, mistake, or disappointment?” “What did you learn from it and what ‘good’ might have resulted?”

The point of the question is not to embarrass, pressure. or denigrate a job candidate, but rather to gauge humility and self-awareness. More importantly, it helps to determine one’s ability to learn, recalibrate, go with the flow, and create something beautiful, even masterful, out of what may at first seemed to have been the most dreary of circumstances. For without mistakes we might not today have:

· Cornflakes.

· Microwave Ovens.

· Penicillin.

· Super Glue.

· Matches.

· Post It Notes.

Or, even for that matter, Viagra.

The Seed Sower

Lemons to Lemonade

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Little Things & Interconnection

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779