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

Some Questions from the Mailbox

August 11, 2020

As a Career Coach, not surprisingly in these days of Covid, clients bring up good questions especially as they contemplate job searches and career growth. Here are a few of them followed by what are hopefully thoughtful and intelligent responses.

With so much uncertainty in the present work landscape, why should I even bother to go through a job search now? Why wouldn’t I just wait until after the November elections, after Covid settles down, and when the unemployment rate is lower and my chances would seem improved?

At the risk of being rhetorical I’m going to initially answer your questions with more questions. First, what is going to happen after the November elections? Depending upon who you believe might be better office holders than those at present, what if things either stay the same as they are now or change? Second, what if Covid does not settle down and levels stay in line with where they are currently or have been over the past five months? Third, what if we are now at a new normal level of unemployment?

The reality is that none of us know what the future holds in store. For sure, there are predictive tools, but even with these, this time in which we now exist in is unprecedented. There have also been other unprecedented times in the history of mankind. Those who best succeeded then made conscious efforts to not be impacted, remained nimble to adjust to new technology, and reached deep into the creative recesses of their minds to almost take advantage of the adversity. All who are capable should be likewise challenged and respond…now.

I’m concerned that a job search now in a down market might put me at risk if my current employer learns I am looking at other opportunities. Why wouldn’t I just want to play it safe?

A traditional approach to a job search might lend itself to this possibility. In other words sending out blind resumes, contacting disreputable recruiting firms, or letting those in your current work environment know that you are out looking could bring exposure.

First of all, I will say that many “reasonable” employers these days “get” that employees are anxious about layoffs and furloughs and need to take proactive steps to assure themselves of a livelihood. Some may even offer “outplacement” services. In the public sector and government, where jobs are publicly posted, it is even common that professional advancement often includes moving on to other jobs outside of the organization.

An even more effective approach might involve a targeted marketing strategy. A targeted strategy includes an active and conscientious tactic of connecting with those who may be in a position to know of opportunities. Rather than approach these individuals with the standard business card and resume, view the communication more as an exchange of information or a learning expedition whereby you, as the job hunter, aim to gain knowledge, and along the way share with your contact, experiences and stories that support common interests.

Somewhat similar to the last question is another one concerned that if they network, market, and tell others that they’re looking for another position that word may get back to their current employer.

Again, view the contact as one that can help enlarge your territories for both now and the future. Consider what you are doing as a continual learning experience to which there is not a detriment. At the very best you may be planting seeds towards new job opportunities, if not now, then possibly in the future. If not a job opportunity now you are furthering your individual development through interaction with someone who may have some entirely new perspectives and helps you grow. At worst, given that the contact may not turn out as you hoped it might, you have learned another lesson in discernment.

Speaking of these VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) days that we currently exist in, how concerned should I be if my fuse is a little shorter, my patience is wearing thinner, I’m claustrophobic, the news is depressing, and I’m not seeing an end in sight? What are some things I can do to have a healthier disposition and attitude?

The greater concern now may be if you’re numb to what’s been happening in 2020.

Covid has caused the loss of life. Over five million Americans have tested positive, many asymptomatic, others quite ill. Resources have been stretched, new standards previously not thought of months ago are now everyday. Some of us would consider ourselves inconvenienced, others overwhelmed. Many of the typical symptoms of grief such as anger and denial have manifested.

In sum, if you are experiencing these feelings, it is normal.

As to what to do, here are a few ideas.

Practice a healthy lifestyle, eat healthily, exercise, rest.
Reach out to someone. I have a friend who has made it a point of calling former co-workers regularly. What an example! He inspired me to give it a try.
Invest in your faith and spiritual focus.
Treat this present period as an opportunity—what can I learn through this time to improve or to make a greater contribution to society?
Limit your time on news and social media. Watch some comedies, old movies, or play board games with your family.
Know that this time will pass. Even if it it’s prolonged, you are developing a resilience to contend with it.

The Seed Sower

Looking Back on a Life Well-Lived

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Some Questions from the Mailbox

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Looking Back on a Life Well-Lived

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779