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

Working Well with Others

Jan. 1, 2024

I’ve heard it said that there are fundamentally two reasons why people lose jobs aside from factors beyond their control such as reductions in force, position obsolescence, organizations relocating, or mergers and acquisitions.

The first cause falls into the category of technical expertise. An individual simply lacks the ability to grasp the elements of the assignment. Even with further training and diligence on the employee’s part the task is something beyond that person’s level of mastery.

For me, I would be incapable of being a Firefighter, for example. I am too old, for one. Even in my younger days, I would not have been able to ascend a ladder four stories into a building or other structure without triggering my innate fear of heights. Although that has gotten better through the years, even a glass elevator scaling a skyscraper provokes instances of anxiety.

It is estimated that involuntary terminations for lack of ability represent about 15% of all job separations.

The balance of the remaining firings either directly or indirectly correspond to one underlying foundation: the inability to get along with others.

Thankfully this second cause doesn’t impact me. Or does it?

There was a time years ago when I was displeased with another member of our executive team. I shared my thoughts with someone who I believed to be a trusted confidant, except that it turned out he was not. He tattled to the subject of my ire. That affronted co-worker proceeded to confront me and ask if I had in fact made the disparaging remark. To that I confessed, was forgiven thankfully, and learned a valuable lesson. In the future I would learn better ways to handle those circumstances.

Did a parent used to tell you that “if you can’t say something nice to someone, just don’t say anything?” I have observed employees adopt passive aggression through withdrawing from work teams. They out and out clammed up. True, our co-workers do not have to become our best friends, but when someone completely “shuts down,” the tension becomes palpable to all.

On the other end of the spectrum are the gossips. I heard a co-worker once quip that “if it’s the truth, it’s not gossip.” Rotarians have adopted a “Four-Way Test” of the things we think, say, or do:

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build good will and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

My colleague, though passing the first step of the test, fell far short on the other three. Will Rogers provided a remedy. “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip,” he said.

Social media has become another tension provoking mechanism. We all want to be heard and have others feel our pain and frustration. The ability to vent and release can be critical to our mental health and well-being. What happens when you have posted a news item or an opinion that might be disagreeable to a connection? What if they are someone you regularly collaborate with at work? Might a seed have been planted that is going to provoke a bit less trust or congeniality going forward?

The age old saying about ruining friendships by bringing up the subject of religion and politics has value. Humorist Dave Barry said, “People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.” A better approach: model your beliefs and values humbly and selflessly through your actions and with kindness.

As we flip the calendar into another year, what are ways that we can avoid becoming a victim of the 85%?

1. Resolve to have connection with someone you may not know well. If you know them to come from a different background than you, all the better. When you dialogue, ask open-ended questions.

2. I talked with a client who clashed with their boss. In those instances, where might there be a commonality? Is there a similar interest? Maybe you’re both parents? Or children dealing with elderly parents?

3. Are you open to learning new things? Does someone else employ a different technique to their work or craft that just might be of benefit?

4. Can a co-worker benefit from your assistance? Just about all of us experience idle moments where our “pitching in” can go a long way towards building community. Don’t be so insecure that you’re always “too busy.”

5. What might you share with others? If you hunt, can you spare a bit of that venison jerky? If you’re a gardener, how about some home-grown vegetables?

6. Perhaps simplest of all, do you make it a point to greet your fellow employees at the start of a new day? What you’ll often find is that you’re the one that’s energized.

Best wishes on the beginning of what I hope will be for you a fantastic year!

The Seed Sower

Into the Shark Tank

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Working Well with Others

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Into the Shark Tank

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779