Adjustments Happen…

I advise others to have realistic expectations when it requires someone else to decide.  Personally, I learned years ago to have no expectations; it helps me focus on each side of the equation and prepare for a plan B.

Unfortunately, too many do not notice the changing environment around them that could lead to a new norm in the workplace.

I Remember…

I was doing 10p-2a and everyone whispering in my ear said I was a cinch for the 6-10p slot recently vacated. My expectations led me to buy a new car, do too much pre-bragging, and take my eye off the ball. Had I stayed focused, I would have noticed the new part-timer had formerly worked for the PD at another station and how often they would go to lunch together. Long story short, he got the 6-10p shift. Several of the other air-personalities consoled me, but one told me what I really needed to hear; always keep your eye on the ball and pay attention to which way it’s bouncing. In other words, had I not got my head stuck in the clouds and noticed what was going on, I could have increased my chances for the move up. 

You can be a team player, but make sure the team isn’t adjusting so much that you take on so many other duties that you are suddenly three teammates and growing. Here is a real-life scenario currently being played out at a station within a cluster.

PD: I was hired to change the environment and get the numbers up. That was two years ago, and I have not been allowed to make the adjustments I feel necessary to do what I was hired to do. The money is fine, but the company has pushed me into taking on more responsibilities that I am not interested in. I’m frustrated. I am now my own promotions department; it’s not in the budget anymore for a Director; I have two street people for the department.

Coach: Keeping things in perspective, are the numbers up and are you unconsciously just tired of being there?

PD: Management says it’s happy with the station’s progress, but I know it could be so much better if they allowed me the freedom to make more changes. This promotions thing is bugging me.

Coach: Do you feel unappreciated or are you just bored? I assume you have already divided some of the promotion duties among your staff of two.

PD: Yeah, I’m bored and I am now doing things that I don’t see the relevance in, like more marketing meetings with sales for sales promotions with no programming value.

Coach: Regardless of what I tell you, it sounds like you are ready to leave. How is your relationship with your market manager?

PD:  I guess it’s okay, but I feel as though he’s my problem. Another example: Our engineer never fixes anything, he patches things for short term without really fixing the actual problem. My air staff has gotten to the point of not even bothering to fill out the technical discrepancy sheets. I stay on them about it and I keep writing memos to my market manager. Hell, we’ve needed new mic processors for over a year now. And the engineering office looks like a museum of unfinished work.

Coach: If you don’t like it there, then it’s time to move on. However, I want you to realize that wherever you go, there will always be things that could be better. How long have you been programming?

PD: For 11 years, this is my fourth station and the largest market I have ever been in.

Coach: If you are looking for the perfect job, it doesn’t exist. You said the money is fine, have you talked to your boss about your frustrations?

PD: He has been here for 15 years; shouldn’t he already know I’m not happy based on my memos about engineering?

Coach: He can’t read your mind.  It sounds as if you are at least in a position that it would be worth having a conversation. Does your company have yearly evaluations?

PD: Yes, but I just try and get through mine as quick as possible. When they hired me, I thought I was going to be allowed to make some real change around here.  They keep protecting too many people around here who don’t do as much as I do.

Coach: Realistically, it sounds as if you will never be happy where you are, just find another job. However, you need realistic expectations, there will always be a set of issues wherever you go. Budgets change and added responsibilities are always a possibility.

Conclusion:

If his situation sounds like yours, remember to look for job opportunities in line with your ultimate goals. Most important, adjustments within come with all jobs and everything is never fixed. Do your best to achieve despite internal roadblocks and always be ready to pivot to the challenges awaiting you. I believe in the cliché, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Try and come up with creative ways to resolve problems. Imagine the company’s perspective and the evolving needs of the job.