Sometimes We Are Our Own Worst Enemy ...

You just never know in this business ... one week a PD or air personality can be atop the ratings and the next week internal issues can end up in their personal files alongside the congratulatory e-mails and memos. We can all understand if the problems are insubordination, inappropriate sexual behavior verbal or physical, or a personal problem with the potential to reflect badly on the company. But sometimes it's simpler than that; maybe something has triggered an issue.

During one of my weekly calls to PDs, I was told of a situation that disturbed me. But it turned out he could have avoided the problem.

PD: Man, I got some bad news today.

Coach: What?

PD: I was written up for having poor managerial skills.

Coach: But your ratings have been good for a while now; there must be more. Where is this coming from?

PD: It is being stirred up by the Community Relations Director and one of the jocks.

Coach: I don't get it.

PD: Well, she has been here for 12 years and the air talent just likes to complain all the time; nothing is ever right for him.

Coach: Is this the first time you have been written up?

PD: No, over five years this is the third time. I was told that I don't contribute enough to marketing meetings.

Coach: What is the community person doing in those meetings?

PD: She used to be the promotions person and sales still likes her in on things because they feel she is necessary.

Coach: Okay, and is there a connection to her and this air personality?

PD: He hates change. Every time I have him make some adjustments, he gets upset and starts complaining to her and she heads right to the GM.

Coach: I must be missing something.

PD: I know it sounds crazy, and oh I forgot to tell you ... two weeks ago, I got memo from the GM on what a great job I was doing with programming. Now he gives me this.

Coach: This whole thing is weird; did you forget to tell me anything else?

PD: They gave me a new contract four weeks ago.

Coach: They did? Now you are confusing me; you are all over the place. You started with internal problems, now you're telling me about a new contract.

PD: But I haven't signed it yet. I just don't know; maybe they're going to fire me.

Coach: I'm still working on you not signing your contract yet. Is there a problem?

PD: I've been busy, and I was going to get around to it. You think I should sign it and hand it in tomorrow?

Coach: I think your timing is lousy. I do not understand why you did not sign your contract and give it back as soon as possible. Honestly, this managerial thing might be the GM just irritated with you.

PD: You think so?

Coach: You are a good PD and as smart as you are, I can't believe you can't see this. My friend, not signing is like saying that you might be looking to leave. And if you have a problem with the contract, you should have already addressed it and not linger on, leaving the GM in limbo. Did you forget he has a boss, too, that you work for a large company?

PD: I guess this write-up has me not thinking clearly. They are supposed to discuss their plans concerning this written complaint.

Coach: Let me see if I understand ... they are going to discuss what they are going to do to you? This is like telling a man, "We are going to flog you and we want you in the meeting to find out how we are going to do it." This whole thing makes no sense; you should have signed the contract four weeks ago. Again, I believe this is the GM upset with you for not addressing your contract. I really don't think you are going to lose your job, but please sign the contract and have it ready if he asks you about it.

PD: Will do and I will call you after this 10 o'clock meeting to let you know if I still have a job.

The Next Morning...

PD: Good news, they just gave me performance criteria guideline, I'm not fired, and I just have to follow it. It is like a "get out of jail" card.

Coach: Good, now sign the contract and apologize for taking so long. Meanwhile, try and make peace with this community relations person and as far as the air talent is concerned, get his butt in line and start looking for a replacement. By the way, if you haven't already, start a paper trail in his file on everything good or bad that he does.

PD: He has never taken direction well and always tries to deflect away from what he's done or not done. Like, why he could not do his assigned production, or he forgot to indicate he had to drop a scheduled song, or why he was late to his remote. It's always someone else's fault or why are we doing this anyway?

Coach: Do his ratings and value to sales and the bottom line make him untouchable?

PD: No, his friendship with the Community Relations Director and her friendship with the GM is what ties my hands.

Coach: Like I said, sign your contract and let's talk about these other issues next time we talk.

PD: Gottcha.

Don't Trip Yourself Up ...

This programmer is good, but as you can see, even he is still learning. There are a lot of things that seem minor, like signing a contract. Little things are important and should not be overlooked. It's the thousand little things that can add up to hurting your image and effectiveness. Don't let you derail yourself. Use every experience as a learning exercise ... good or bad.