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

Attention Gen Z: Hold On, I’m Coming!

Oct. 14, 2025

It’s an especially challenging job market for generation Z’s; the group roughly defined as those between the ages of 13 and 29. Bear in mind the youngest half of this segment has likely not fully embarked on a profession or trade journey just yet.

The dilemma is even more acute for men. Whereas the current national unemployment rate is slightly above 4%, for generation Z males it is more than double that at over 9%. Further among men that have been unemployed for six months or more, the ratio climbs dramatically to one in four!

The cries: “I send out numerous resumes daily, only to get ghosted.” “Competition!!! When I apply for a position on-line, there are tens if not hundreds more who have already applied. I’m sure they’re all just like me.” “I’ve interviewed several times but haven’t gotten called back once.” Young people, I hear you!

There are strategies to improve the odds: targeted networking, differentiating oneself from the competition, volunteering, especially if employment interests are in social services or not-for-profit organizations. These approaches can pay dividends.

What is far more important, I believe, is attitude. That goes for both those unemployed as well as others stuck in work that’s not particularly enjoyable.

First, let’s start with the notion of the blame game. Many corporate leaders now point to market instability, uncertainty, and chaos brought about by such tactics as tariffs as creating widespread hesitation. Certainly, these factors are contributing but continually citing them as culprits does little aside from therapeutic relief among sympathizers.

Instead examine where opportunity may exist. There have been those who’ve succeeded during the worst economies. Is there a market segment that might thrive during challenging times? How might you be uniquely wired to be up to a challenge? When have you overcome obstacles in the past that have parallels to present conditions?

Do not succumb to victimization!

Second, what lessons can be learned in this season? In “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl wrote about the atrocities he experienced as a captive during the Holocaust. He established three basic goals: surviving, seeking to help others, and aiming to learn something. A renown psychiatrist, Frankl did survive and then used that experience as a basis for what eventually became a groundbreaking psychological theory, logotherapy.

Third, be honest. Today may be a season, yet it’s easy to grow impatient. I coached a frustrated client, a middle-aged man who had been fired from a prior job. Sensing his involuntary termination was a factor contributing to his failure to receive job offers, he asked me, “should I not say I got the “86?” My reply was an adamant “NO!” I did coach him on ways to better explain his separation. “Yes, my services were terminated. I made a mistake. We all do. I’ve learned from that experience. Here is the lesson I picked up and how I am now seeking to apply it.”

Demonstrate character through ownership!

Fourth, forgive yourself. You may or may not be responsible for your current circumstances. Regardless, don’t be consumed by it. The slippery slope can eventually lead to shame, a state that too often ends up masked by unhealthy responses manifesting in lying, cheating, or other addictive behaviors.

Finally, for those fortunate to be employed, yet barely tolerating your work situation you are not alone. Many of you are simply hanging on, a concept referred to as “job hugging.” With job growth weakened, more attractive opportunities may not exist in many instances. For the first time in four years the quantity of those unemployed exceeds job postings. In fact, the pace of hiring has slowed to its lowest level since 2013 absent the Covid period. Workers fear cuts.

Complacency may well be your greatest challenge. As a remedy, consider how you can make a situation better be it with a customer or a co-worker. Build relationships both within and outside of your organization. Where there’s an opportunity, step up and seize it. It may help you develop a more valuable skill. Surprises can emerge from the unexpected.

The unexpected.

What might come from it? In the mid-1960’s the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter were collaborating on a piece at the Stax Records recording studio for the soul duo, Sam and Dave. While Porter was taking a restroom break, an impatient Hayes beckoned him from “the can,” to which Porter barked back, “Hold on, I’m coming.”

In the spring of 1966, the single by the same name vaulted Sam and Dave to number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles Chart.

The Seed Sower

The Inspiration of Caring

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Attention Gen Z: Hold On, I’m Coming!

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The Inspiration of Caring

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779