RELENTLESS RADIO

 

Author:	Frank Reed
Published:	April, 2000

 

Thought #1: Nobody is indispensable. The goal is to work toward it. Recently I addressed the programming and promotions staff of KLTY. I've been requested to put these thought in writing. After 30 years in the radio business, the last eight at the same station, I've come to some conclusions about what gets you ahead in the business, or helps ensure job security during tough times. Just like in life, storms will occur at work. It's not a matter of "if", it's "when". these principles will work most anywhere. Most of this is pretty basic. A lot is old fashioned common sense. Some lessons were learned the hard way. Some are nothing new. Some are borrowed from others. Others are just basic Biblical principles. So here you go. If the shoe fits, wear it! And if you're developing these principles in your own life, please, send me a resume. Good people are hard to find! Assume nothing. Assumption is the worst form of communication. Better to be redundant and be known as a person who gets it right rather than assume and continue to get it wrong. The boss doesn't mind you double checking if he knows your passion is to get it right. Do it right, or do it twice. Be reliable. Be on time. Better still, be early. Be an optimist. Use up words. Optimists make for a better working environment. Positive people are more likely to survive an office shakeup, provided they're competent and hard workers. Thou shalt not whine. Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don't. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Plan and prioritize, but remember: everything affects everything. The little things matter. Sweat the big stuff, but you need to sweat the small stuff too. The difference between good and great is the small stuff. No matter how smart you are, no matter how good your are, in the long run, integrity matters the most. Better to be a person of your word and have a little than to have questionable integrity and have a lot. Character does matter!! Character is doing the right thing, even when nobody's looking! (JC Watts, Republican National Convention, 1996) In short: Always do the right thing. God will provide. Don't gossip. It's a cancer and makes you undesirable. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and be who you seem. If you can't say anything nice about someone, don't say anything at all. (Frank's Mom) Don't harbor resentment. Life is often hard and not fair. Let the past go. Those around you aren't perfect, and neither are you. Forgive or be miserable. Professionals don't hold grudges. (Andy Rooney, 60 Minutes) Keep the air clear. Two types of people: Those who do what's required and little else. Those who do what's required and lots more. Who survives when budgets are cut? When you're wrong, promptly admit it. Rather the boss have full disclosure from you than hear about it from somebody else. Or, heaven forbid, you're caught trying to cover up or conceal it. (See Clinton, Bill) If you have a problem with something or somebody, take it to your boss, not a co-worker. Go directly to somebody who can do something about it. Whining to others just brings them down. Gotta beef? See the chef! Become a fan and a student of your business. There's always something more to learn. Life is too short to spend eight to 10 hours a day on something you don't like doing. If you're not passionate about what you're doing, consider doing something else. Learn to adjust. Nothing stays the same. Learn to think "out of the box". Always have a backup plan. Develop an attitude that says "Whatever it takes!" Avoid mediocrity. Pursue excellence. Strive for zero defects. If there's a job worth doing, it's worth doing right. (Frank's Mom) Learn from your mistakes. Disappointments and setbacks will make you bitter, or better. If you're a decision maker make objective decisions for the best of the company, not what's just the best for you. Develop an attitude that asks "How can I serve" rather than "What can I get". Be a team player. Instead of thinking, "I, I, I, me, me, me" think "us, us, us, we, we, we." Work hard. Doing "pretty good" radio is easy. Truly great radio is work. Accept it. Make it a goal to become the "Go To" person. Help your co-workers be great. Encouraging words are fine, but rolling up your sleeves and sacrificing your own time for others speaks volumes to people. You will also gain their respect and admiration. (Note: This does not mean enabling people by doing their job.) When a survey is taken on who's indispensable, the person who has helped the most survives. If you're in a leadership position, lead by example. If you have a great work ethic it will rub off on others. Your words will carry more weight when you set the example in what you do as well as what you say. You can't expect others to "Go the extra mile" unless you go there yourself. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Hard to do if you work 9 to 5 and take a three-hour lunch. One filter: What's best for the radio station? Respect your authority. Offer the boss your opinion, but if he disagrees, continue to work hard at doing it his way, even when you don't agree. Be loyal. Be somebody the boss can trust. On the really big stuff (should I leave, should I stay?) always, always take a step back and seek wisdom and counsel. Avoid knee jerk reactions. Never, never, never make big decisions when you're emotionally upset. When in doubt, chill out. What you can't control, release. Let go and let God. Compare = Despair. Avoid comparisons with other people. What they do, how much money they make, or don't make. It's none of your business. Focus on what God has called you to do. See John 21:22. "You follow me!" Think solutions, not excuses. There are people who think they can, and people who think they can't. Be the former. When leaving a job, always, always, give notice. And always, always "bless 'em" on the way out. (Yes, even if you're being terminated.) Most people go through the motions on the way out. True character is revealed in how you exit. Bless and curse not. Leave results to Go. Work hard, set goals, and do everything you can to achieve success. But remember if you're living a life of faith, your future, and your results, are in God's sovereign hands. Be low maintenance. The more of a blessing and an asset you are to the boss, when he moves up, you'll move up. Or inherit his job. Don't blow your own horn. Get in the habit of doing a lot of the above, and people will blow it for you. Lastly, but not leastly, invite God daily to the job. Seek his help, counsel, and creativity.  About The Author Frank is one of the best known and most respected broadcasters in the nation. His 30 year career includes stops at such legendary stations as WNBC, New York, and KLTY, Dallas, where he hosts the morning show. He has held the PD at KLTY during several transistions. Frank also was at the helm as PD of WWDJ, New York during its heyday. Frank was named McVay Media's major market program director of the year in 1999. Frank and his wife Patti have two children, Ryan, and Hope. Patti publishes The Shepherd's Guide in north Texas.