The Best Work Benefit: The Gift of Friendship

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

The Best Work Benefit: The Gift of Friendships

December 10, 2025

My work as a career and leadership development coach delivers clients with varied wish lists. Many seek job opportunities that can yield greater financial reward. Others want a greater sense of purpose or the ability to have impact. There are those yearning to better develop executive presence. Still more want to shift industries or a line of work.

And there are many other motivations.

Upon occasion someone might share that they are seeking an environment where they can develop true comradeships and enjoy relationships with co-workers who share similar values. That got me to considering the difference in job satisfaction rates between employees who feel a connection with their workmates vs. those who don’t. My guess is its significant.

What would be the characteristics of a workplace where employees have a sense of connection? For those environments where that does not exist, what needs to happen to bring that about?

I would gander that the first ingredient would be that there is clear purpose and mission. Likely it is simple and inarguable. Two of the most enjoyable periods in my 31 years in local government were when that sort of culture existed. The first was in a small city in Texas where the prized geographical feature was a river that flowed through the center of town. Realizing the potential recreational and economic opportunities that existed, staff embarked upon the concept and eventual construction of a riverwalk along one of the banks. Many employees rallied around not only the project itself, but the shared encouragement that accompanied it. It was a fun time.

In the other example, the elected executive leader of our organization shared a clear vision: to strive for the county, in this instance. to champion economic development and deliver outstanding customer service. Once again, an inarguable focus that almost all can rally around. Another rewarding experience.

Second, strong work relationships will more likely exist when there are shared values. Is there a general agreement as to the difference between right and wrong? Do team members not only strive to adhere to ethical values, but to conduct themselves in such a way that behavior is viewed by others as upstanding? Do team members prescribe to a spirit of “selflessness,” adopting practices that are for the good of the whole, as opposed to the benefit of just a few.

Third, do team members not only know their roles, but how their jobs benefit the mission.

In my many years with ESPN Radio, we have typically functioned with a seven-member crew for production of football. First, there is an Engineer. Their job is fundamental: making sure that the equipment is functioning and wired so that the audio is seamlessly broadcast to affiliate stations throughout the country. There is also a Producer, who assures that the production is in synch with the breaks for which the advertisers have invested significantly. That job queues who “announces” when. In addition, there is a Spotter who helps the broadcasters identify who makes a tackle, blocks a kick, or was injured. My role as a statistician is to supply the broadcasters with up-to-date statistical information that is pertinent and aligns with what is being communicated on the airwaves.

Lastly, the broadcasters or “talent” is who listeners hear. Often the talent consists of a sideline reporter, color analyst, and play by play. To me a near perfect broadcast contains the basic elements of the communication of accurate information, a degree of “excitement” to stimulate listener interest, and the development of storylines that maintain that interest. A strong broadcast is like inviting the listener into the broadcast booth with us to become a part of the conversation.

I consider it to not only be a privilege to work in this environment, but to have built valuable friendships and connections with the team. That honor surpasses any of the other “benefits” that may be afforded by the corporate organization.

(ESPN College Football Radio crew l to r: Ivan Zuniga, Engineer; Owen Murphy, Producer; Kirk McCarley, Statistician; John Tobias, Spotter; Mike Couzens, Play-by-Play; Max Starks, Color Analyst.)

My hope for all is that your workplace is a venue that you enjoy for more reasons than it helps for pay bills. If it is not that now, I pray that either it can become that, or you discover an environment that provides that enjoyment and satisfaction. Whether at work or at home I encourage you to savor your relationships this holiday season and seek to further build friendships in 2026.

The Seed Sower

The Best Work Benefit: The Gift of Friendships

READ MORE

FINDING COMMONALITY

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779