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Not Everyone Is Going To Like You …
June 8, 2021
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In this business we are paid to perform. It doesn’t mean we have to like the people we work with. These days most companies have HR or someone who is making sure that everyone plays nice. However, before anything gets to "let's play nice" meetings, learn how to navigate the insecurities of your co-workers.
I've Been There...
I was involved in a situation where I was the good guy and my friend who did mornings was viewed as the anti-Christ by the GM. His ratings were better than mine, yet he always got the short end of the stick. For example, I over-stayed my new hire hotel privileges for a month. The OM eventually told me I needed to find a place, surprisingly the GM defended me: "Sam has come in here and hit the ground running; he can stay a little longer if he has to." His words are etched in my memory.A Learning Moment ...
That station had the most insecure group of people I have ever worked around. But the experience taught me a lesson. I learned to stay focused and not let anyone throw me off my game. I became a student of not letting my ego be the elephant in the room.I recently communicated with an air personality who was having problems with his boss.
Air Talent: I'm having problems with my PD. He's been here for a year and a half now.
Coach: What's going on?
Air Talent: The PD seems to not like me. At first, I thought I was paranoid, but a bunch of little things have happened, and I've started to connect the dots.
Coach: Are you sure?
Air Talent: Let me give you an example. I found out that the PD had a Zoom party for the air staff, and I was the only one that never got an invitation e-mail. And I check my spam everyday too. I found out about the party because it came up in conversation with the midday guy. He asked what I thought about having a Zoom party. I asked him what party and that's how I found out I was not invited.
Coach: Wow, that's not good. Anything else happen?
Air Talent: It got me to thinking. Last year, just before Covid-19 sent us all to work from home, he sent me out in the van with some prizes to a place almost outside of our signal range. I made the decision to turn around and head back before I got to where I was supposed to go. Had I gone all the way out to the town, I never would have made it back on time for the start of my show at 6. I mean, this place was in the sticks. And it was afternoon rush hour, too.
Coach: That sounds a little strange. Are you sure he knew where he sent you was too far away?
Air Talent: I am pretty sure. I was starting to lose the signal in the van. The whole thing was weird.
Coach: You said he's been there a little over a year. Have you ever had crossed words with him?
Talent: No, I like this guy. I even told him I used to listen to him when I was growing up.
Coach: Ouch, we have a winner, my friend. I bet he's insecure about his age and you upset him with "I listened to you while I was growing up."
Air Talent: Are you serious? That's crazy.
Coach: How long have you been in this business?
Air Talent: 8 years and this is my third station.
Coach: Either you've been lucky or had blinders on. Radio has more insecure people than most businesses. Thanks to your innocent comment, you're probably a constant reminder to the PD of his growing elder statesman status.
Air Talent: Should I say something to him and apologize?
Coach: No, you can't fix it now. How were you supposed to know that was going to upset him? I suggest that you keep track of all memos and e-mails that he sends you. Honestly, I would start putting feelers out. The non-party invitation and the van-hit in the boonies convince me that you're not paranoid, he's not in your corner.
Air Talent: How about the GM or HR?
Coach: What are you are going to say, "He does not like me?" Unless you can prove he singles you out unfairly or does something illegal, all you can do is your job to the best of your ability. Don't let anything rattle you and don't spread your thoughts to your co-workers. You cannot make someone like you. Remember, the only thing you can prove is that he did not invite you to a Zoom party that's was not work-related. He can shrug off the van thing by saying he made a mistake. How do you get along with everyone else at the station, any problems?
Air Talent: None that I'm aware of.
Coach: Be mindful, but not fearful of the PD. If he wants you gone, eventually you will be. And above all, go along to get along until you don't have to.
All You Can Do ...
In a perfect world, air personalities and support staff would work towards the common goal of ratings and revenue. However, radio can become a daytime soap opera with internal problems contributing to gossip and ugliness. Some things can't be fixed. All anyone can do is chalk it up to experience and move on. -
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