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Adjustment & Change Is Inevitable …Handle It
October 27, 2020
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When it comes to jobs, there are always adjustments being made inside the workplace. You’re in charge of your response to the new challenges. Always consider the company’s perspective and the evolving needs required of your role.
My Early Lesson…
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. It was a good lesson for me. I learned that not getting that shift at the time was not a reflection on my work, just a company decision at that moment in time. Eventually I did get that time slot.The Right Way To Look At Things…
I had an exchange with an air talent who was moved off afternoons and placed in the evening air slot. He was not “a happy camper.”Air Talent: Our new PD used to program our direct competitor. From the first day here, he's acted as if he did not want me around. He took over a couple of months before the pandemic.
Coach: Can you give me any specifics?
Air Talent: It's just a feeling. Before Covid, I had stopped getting as many paid remotes. Everything around here is so different now, and I'm not talking about Coronavirus or Zoom calls. It's the attitude.
Coach: Are you sure you are not just projecting your feelings?
Air Talent: No, many of us feel the change in attitude. For example, once a year all employees were given a chance to evaluate things around here and that included managers. But that’s all gone now.
Coach: You just described a corporate decision, and you are dumping everything on the PD. That's not fair.
Air Talent: I see him as a part of the plot by our company to get rid of everything we’ve built here over the years.
Coach: You are taking all this personally. He’s just an instrument carrying out the wishes of upper management and corporate. I assume they asked him for his opinion concerning the program department, but as for the rest of whatever is going on, he’s most likely had little to do with it.
Air Talent: Okay but getting taken off my shift and being moved to evenings is personal. I was replaced by the woman who did afternoons against me when he programmed over across the street. She never beat me. Sam, I had been doing afternoons for 5 years. Matter of fact, she was brought in to go up against me after I kicked the ass of the guy she replaced. Why would he do this to me?
Coach: You said he’s new, it probably has more to do with having a familiar face and someone he knows. I think he realizes how upset the staff is with all the change --people working from home, Zoom meetings with staff, and reduced in person communications. It all has something to do with how he is acting. Normally when a new PD takes over, they get a chance to observe station employees up close and personal. I’m assuming this “Covid radio” world has made him unsure of a lot of things. I know what I’m saying is not what you want to hear. I forgot to ask, did he fire the evening person you’ve taken over for?
Air Talent: No, he was furloughed, and no one has said if he’s coming back. My new position is being treated as if it’s going to be permanent.
Coach: It sounds like the PD was trying to strengthen his lineup and this is how things played out. If he had wanted to, it could have been you that got furloughed. If I were in your shoes and by the way I have been, I would be upset too. However, you’ve got to stop taking everything so personal. You are still a valuable member to the team. How’s your interaction with the PD?
Air Talent: He does weekly Zoom check-ins and air check critiques with air staff. It’s required by the company. But this week was super quick. We didn’t even go over an aircheck. It seemed like he had something going on with corporate.
Coach: And there it is. Corporate is the reason for all of what’s going on and not your PD. I know your feelings are hurt, but the only constant is change. You are a professional announcer. Work on your air act, follow directions, and don’t get caught up in the “why are changing things” mind set. What happened to your previous PD?
Air Talent: He was furloughed, this new guy was hired to program our station and one other in the next state over.
Coach: The other station, you didn’t mention that part. Well no he seems distant. You are internalizing and thinking it’s all about you. He’s upside down with work and still adjusting to new systems. Your situation is important, but step back and look at the big picture.
Air Talent: I never got an explanation of why I was being shifted to evenings. Based on ratings, I was doing a great job.
Coach: Well, he gets an F on dealing with you on the shift change, especially since he hired your former rival to take your slot. But you are still there because you are good. I think we’ve all worked for some whose management skills could have been better. There is only one way to say this, “Suck it up and do your job to the best of your ability.” Remember, the only thing an audience knows is how you contribute to the musical journey they are listening to.
Air Talent: I’ll do it, but I’m not happy with all of this.
Coach: Again, I get it, but focus on doing your job and cut your PD some slack. Meanwhile in case there are more changes that might affect your employment, keep an eye out for new opportunities elsewhere.
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