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

Let Me Tell Ya!—Looking Back on a Life Well-Lived

July 6, 2020

Feebly clutching the fingers of two of his daughters his time to go was imminent. As he breathed his last air, after 93 years he passed into eternity.

As a soul moves into afterlife, there are questions about physical form in heaven. Does a person appear in the image of last remembrance or as a younger man or woman, even maybe a child? Are those who were blind or physically or mentally infirm on this earth restored to perfect health and vigor?

Before entering an assisted living environment a year or so ago he had occupied the same dwelling for more than 50 years. There was a garden in the back and a couple of pecan trees. Having a scientific background he experimented with a variety of tomato bushes, forever seeking permanent solution to the eradication of those pesky nematodes. When not piddling around the yard he immersed himself in “National Geographic.” “What a great magazine,” he would remark.

More than 30 years ago he had retired from his professional career, and began a public service journey as a school bus driver. His riders required significant attention: all were compromised in many ways, either physically, mentally, or both. He wondered how much of a difference he made for those incapable of comprehension. Though many of the kids may not have known their parents certainly did.

During that same period his church began a prayer initiative. The objective was that at least one parishioner would be present in the sanctuary at all times so that there was continuous prayer, 24-7. Volunteers were asked to participate. He selected a time disagreeable to most: 2 am on Sunday morning! For 20 years he arose from deep slumber, hopped in his car, drove 15 minutes to the church, knelt and prayed for an hour, drove back home, and returned to bed. Rarely was his assignment missed; if it was he always had a sub.

Might he be observed at the heavenly gates adorned with the dental smock he wore for more than 30 years as a Pedodontist (children’s dentist)? He was a great one with the kids, kind, patient, and always teasing in a thick Tennessee drawl. He was a throwback really, to a slower time when things were less rushed and there was opportunity to share a joke or story. Often the tale began with, “let me tell ya…”

He’s found in innumerable family photos. How he loved his family. His last daughter arrived in 1965, another daughter three years before that, a son in 1959, and his first daughter a couple of years prior to then.

A highlighted remembrance was the picture of a delighted groom on that Christmas Eve in 1953 when he wed his bride. What a happy memory of that day they shared until her untimely death 47 years later.

His time was gentlemanly, with rules better understood, lines more distinctly drawn. As newlyweds his wife worked in administrative support as he attended dental school. She encountered a flirtatious supervisor who made her uncomfortable. Her husband methodically confronted that situation by identifying the address of the supervisor, procuring a roll of pennies, knocking on the door, and proceeding to chase the alarmed culprit down through the neighborhood. Ten days later his wife remarked that, “her supervisor must have taken ill as he hadn’t been in the office for some time.”

A lifelong learner, he was a proud graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and served his country in the United States Navy. The photograph of his receiving his undergraduate degree was a memorable image imprinted in the minds of those he welcomed to his home. An honorable photo it is.

He was a feisty member of the Lawrenceburg High School football squad, a strapping gridiron warrior equipped with leather helmet and high-topped cleats. His dad ran a grocery store. Frugality was valued in his household, especially during The Great Depression, a lesson lasting through the years and without question contributing to thriftiness throughout life:

· Lights always turned out in an unused room.

· Used coffee grounds into the garden compost pile.

· Water never on unless a dish was being rinsed.

As the seventh of 10 children he entered the world in 1927 much the same way he left it: helpless, dependent, oblivious. So, when the time comes to be reunited with Charles Held what version will greet us—baby, child, teenager, young adult, husband, dentist, father, school bus driver, senior citizen?

Charlie was my father-in-law. He epitomized the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He was one of the best men I have ever known and without question the most moral. He was relaxed and easy to be around. His wit was quick; he took it as well as he dished it out. He departed our world on good terms. He was a great father-in-law.

The day will come when I too, will meet my Maker. I fully expect that in the early entourage of those I see again will be a 50-something looking year old man to welcome me with, “let me tell ya…”

The Seed Sower

Learning From Hollywood

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Let Me Tell Ya!—Looking Back on a Life Well-Lived

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Learning From Hollywood

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779