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The Consultant Needed A Consult ...
March 28, 2023
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Sometimes we all need a little help. Even the best consultants occasionally need another perspective. There is no shame in asking for assistance. But shouldn't they already know how to handle any situation? The answer is no. They have special expertise, but don't have all the answers. A colleague asked me to give a listen to a morning show on a station he consults. So, I downloaded the station's app, gave them a listen, and gave him my thoughts.
Coach: Before I start, what 's bugging you about their show?
Consultant: Sam, it's the show’s anchor. Sometimes he veers off to a place that's hard for me to understand. He doesn't know when to shut it down. He goes into these weird explanations in the middle of a great bit and somehow gets back on track, but it's different. I don't know whether to love it or hate it. It's quirky. You heard the show, what did you think?
Coach: He's different, but he and his co-hosts had me thinking and laughing. He's got that thing that you can't teach, talent. The real issue for you might be one of three things. It bugs you because back in the day you couldn’t do what he does, it reminds you of someone didn't like, or it’s because what he does goes against everything you know.
Consultant: Ouch. But it might be some of all three things.
Coach: Now that we've got that out of the way. I wasn't sure if it was part of the plan , but it sounded like your three morning show people were fighting over who gets the last word during some of the talk sets. Sometimes there was also a little too much talking among themselves, and not enough talking to the listeners. Once the fun or funny was over, it sounded like chatter.
Consultant: Your summary hits home. They do need tightening up.
Coach: A prime example is when the team discussed the station’s app. At first, it seemed like a fun promotion, but it dragged on and only generated a few laughs. If this sort of thing happens too often, it could hurt ratings. It's not about shutting up, it's about tightening up. What does the Program Director think?
Consultant: He has limited experience in working with morning shows, but he's smart and is trying to pull it all together.
Coach: So, you're the station’s consultant and not hired specifically to work with the morning crew?
Consultant: Nope, that's why I called to get your take on things.
Coach: Well, it does sound as if you and the PD have the morning show understanding their roles on the show. Do they practice together away from the station?
Consultant: This team has been together for about six months. I don't know, what are you suggesting?
Coach: Just that they spend time away from the station and practice together. It’s kind of like a basketball team or baseball team or any team sport. Practice makes better. The more they practice together, the better the show will consistently sound.
Consultant: I’ll check on that with the PD.
Coach: One other thing, make sure the morning team gets together on Sunday by phone or in person. It’s been my experience that the “Friday feel good” can give a morning crew a false positive. It almost never carries over to Monday morning.
Consultant: Thanks, Sam. This whole thing with my uneasiness with the morning show anchor has clouded my usual objectivity. Thank you for the professional courtesy.
Coach: Next time I'm charging you. But seriously, you need to get it out of your system whatever it is about that guy that’s messing with head.
Consultant: I know you’re right, again, thanks again.
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