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

On Seeking Advice

April 18, 2023

As the parent of adult children, one of the disciplines I’ve tried to stick to has been refraining from giving advice. Without doubt I’ve fallen short of that aspiration at times.

I have shared with my son, daughter, and their respective spouses that one of the greatest gifts they can give is the act of asking for advice. On those occasions where advice is sought interestingly, my responses are often rhetorical, where the first comment is to ask of them, “what do you think you should do?”

I also aim to say, “thank you for asking for my opinion.” To be viewed as a sage of wise counsel and thought is one of the highest regards to me.

Years ago, I worked for a Mayor in a small community, he holding elective office. There was another office holder in a somewhat complementary agency who was garnering a reputation as being outspoken, surly, and often rude. It was vital that the two officials enjoy a compatible working relationship for the sake of not only their respective jurisdictions, but in serving the public.

The mayor shared his story.

“I invited him to lunch. Once seated, as expected he went through a laundry list of things that he found disagreeable: road and bridge issues, law enforcement, and intergovernmental relations. His complaints could be wearisome, but again I was accustomed to his laments. In the midst of his soap box, came a sigh and a pause. He hesitated, turned towards me and asked why he was not achieving the successes he had not only campaigned on, but wanted.”

He then asked, “What do you believe people think of me?”

The two men exchanged a tense eye contact. The mayor replied, “do you really want to know?,” to which the response was “yes.” The mayor proceeded to say, “then ask me again.”

Again, “Tell me what you think people think of me.” Now with permission to speak freely the mayor then shared that although his colleague demonstrated a high level of zest, energy, and passion for his role, he had basically isolated himself.” The mayor added that as a result, people were hesitant to approach him, thus compromising his effectiveness. In summary, the mayor said to him, “I believe you are angry.” A short time later both men declined seeking reelection.

The Legacy Project launched nearly 20 years ago in an effort to collect practical advice for living from many of us who have “been around for a while.” The advice ranges from how to be happy on a day-to-day basis, secrets to a successful marriage, and tips on raising children and enjoying a fulfilling career. The act of giving advice found an audience.

One man offered, “I think to a certain extent your offspring are always children. One always wants one’s children to be happy, and I suppose the most disturbing thing for parents is when they can’t see happiness in their adult children’s lives or their children’s relationships or in their marriages. You worry about aspects of their interaction with their partners and when you can see that the way they’re interacting is not productive, you worry about your children.”

Another writer shared,

“I think giving advice requires great subtlety. Well, your adult children sometimes ask you for advice, and sometimes it becomes clear that they are not looking for advice, they’re simply looking for understanding of their points of view. So I think it’s easy for children to misinterpret your real feelings about them, and feel more pressure than one thinks they should be feeling. It’s up to the parent to be subtle enough to be able to refrain from expressing attitudes, so that the child does not feel intruded upon, or judged.”

Finally,

“With our kids now, there’s a good feeling, good relationship. You keep your mouth shut. We made our mistakes, we let them make their mistakes. But I don’t give advice unless they really ask for it. I feel I can say most anything I want, except I would not interfere with them, even though I see something that I think should be handled differently.”

To my son, son-in-law, and other men now parenting young sons consider these words by Sheri Mann:

I’m just a little boy who wants to play

And I’m growing up with each passing day

You are my role model so I look up to you

Be patient with me daddy, and we’ll get through

Hold my hand and walk with me

One day you’ll have to set me free

There’s so much that I will learn from you

So come down here and play with me too

Listen to me when I have something to say

And please daddy don’t tell me to go away

Remember I’m watching everything that you do

Because I just want to be like you

“I’ll Always Love You Daddy.

The Seed Sower

The Paradoxial Efficiency of the Voice Mail

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

On Seeking Advice

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The Paradoxial Efficiency of the Voice Mail

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779