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Sometimes A Change Is Just A Change ...
October 25, 2022
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You’re in charge of your response to new challenges. Always consider the company’s viewpoint and its evolving needs. Sometimes it's necessary to shift personnel around, don't take it personally. I had an exchange with an air talent who was moved off afternoons. He's not happy and is trying to figure out if he is still valued.
Air Talent: Our new PD used to program our direct competitor. From day one, he's acted as if he did not want me around. He took over a few months ago.
Coach: Can you give me some specifics of why you think he doesn't like you?
Air Talent: It's just a feeling. I've stopped getting as many paid remotes. It's a vibe I'm getting. Everything around here is so different now.
Coach: Are you sure you're not being a little paranoid?
Air Talent: No. I'll give you an example of what I'm talking about. The company has unofficially stopped doing employee evaluations.
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 dump air staff.
Coach: You're taking all this personally. He’s just an instrument carrying out the wishes of management and corporate.
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 for him when he programmed over across the street. She never beat me when she was over there. Sam, I had been doing afternoons for 5 years. So why would he do this to me unless he was up to no good?
Coach: You said he’s new and came aboard from the competition. The move 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. Normally when a new PD takes over, they adjust where they think it's necessary. 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 is trying to strengthen his lineup and this is how things played out. It's like a Major League Baseball team when a manager moves a hitter from the number 8 position in the batting order to the number 2 spot. Or in football if a coach moves a running back to wide receiver. You are still a valuable member to the team. It's just that this PD is trying to put the station in the best position to do well. Did your money change and how’s your interaction with the new PD?
Air Talent: No, they gave me a slight bump in salary. He does biweekly air check critiques with air staff. It’s required by the company.
Coach: Don't you see by giving you a salary bump that it was like a vote of confidence. 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 Me" thing. What happened to your previous boss?
Air Talent: I'm not sure what happened. He had been here for 6 years. None of the staff has heard from him since he left. This new guy was hired to program our station and another one of the company's stations in another market.
Coach: You didn’t mention the other station part. Well, no wonder your new guy seems distant. You are internalizing and thinking it’s all about you. He’s overloaded 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 and the shift change, especially since he hired your former rival to take your slot. But you're still there because you are good. I think we’ve all worked for some people who could brush up on their management skills. Look, stop worrying and keep doing a good job on the air.
Air Talent: I’ll do it, but I’m not happy with all of this.
Coach: Again, I get it, but cut your PD some slack and stay on your game.
I Know It Sucks ...
It’s easy to understand this air talent's frustration with his new PD. Change is never easy, especially when it involves you. Such situations are manageable if you keep your wits about you and realize that a change of position or duties doesn't necessarily mean that the "Sky is Falling." -
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