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

Vision and Mission

October 21, 2020

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29: 18

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Yogi Berra

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” is a standard interview question straight from the Human Resources Department manual. Though oft asked, it was in my experience surprising the frequency with which the response was either void of aspiration or worse, fully lacked foresight.

“To find a job where I won’t be laid off.”

“I need to pay my bills.”

Or on occasion, “That’s a really good question, I need to think about it.”

Granted, during periods of tight employment where jobs are precious, stable positions with decent benefits are attractive to any of those who have weathered mergers, downsizings, and furloughs. Still, whether it pertains to one’s career, health, finances, or relationships vision and mission are essential navigational tools for success.

Vision describes a desired state. It can be for the present, but more often it is a future want. Typically it is “heart and soul” oriented inclination describing the essence of existence, especially as demonstrated by these organizations and individuals.

“To enrich people’s lives with programmes and services that inform, educate, and entertain.” BBC

“Helps people around the world save money and live better.” Walmart

“Jane visualizes being in a position to make significant contributions to not-for-profit organizations.”

Even absent employment, financial, or compassion-oriented wishes, it is not uncommon for individuals to adopt their own personal vision.

“I imagine a future of contributing to a better economic condition for those in need.”

“Inspiring adult students to maximize their potential in the classroom is a result I would like to bring to the college.”

“I aim to one day find a life long partner with whom to share a lifetime of love which will include having children and raising them to be responsible, contributing members to society.”

Do you have a vision for your life, business, or career or certain aspects of it? Is it current and applicable or does it need to be dusted off and updated? After you’ve developed, revised, or reviewed your vision, you’re ready for a mission statement.

A mission narrows in on what a person or an organization endeavors to do, whether it be constructing a product, providing a service, or fulfilling a cause. Again, several well-recognized organizations have very succinct and targeted statements:

“Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

“We seek to be the world’s most customer-centric company for four primary customer sets: consumers, sellers, enterprises, and content creators.” Amazon

Even Jesus left his disciples with a mission statement:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28: 19

Practically, why is a mission statement necessary?

· It determines direction.

· It focuses on the future.

· It provides a template for decision making.

· It forms the basis for alignment, especially for employees.

· It welcomes helpful change.

· It shapes strategy.

· It facilitates evaluation and improvement.

Along with mission, values can be a typical accompaniment. Values often speak to altruistic ambitions such as honesty and compassion. A businessperson that I’ve had the privilege to work with listed…:

· Ease of service

· Trustworthiness

· Integrity

· Quality service

· Common Sense responsiveness

· Empathy

· Comfort

· Understanding

…among the values he seeks to fulfill in delivering service.

A Professional Coach can offer objective guidance to business owners, small proprietorships, or individuals looking for direction and focus. There is no better time than now, in this era of Covid, civil unrest, and elections to plan and set course. Play write Samuel Beckett described the alternative in his classic about two characters idling away in inaction.

“...Let us not waste our time in idle discourse! Let us do something, while we have the chance....at this place, at this moment of time, all mankind is us, whether we like it or not. Let us make the most of it before it is too late! Let us represent worthily for once the foul brood to which a cruel fate consigned us! What do you say?” Vladimir, “Waiting for Godot”

Godot will come for each of us eventually. Until then, what’s your plan?

The Seed Sower

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Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Vision and Mission

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Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779