More intentional aircheck meetings

One place where I see an area for improvement from both talent and management is in the aircheck meetings. 

Programmers are busy, and most are untrained as coaches and giving useful feedback. Talent is creative, and creatives don’t like being judged by others, particularly non-creatives. 

And both have their own agendas that are sometimes at odds. PDs want the show to promote the station's priorities, which shows feel get in the way of their content. 

In addition, I’ve heard more lately about a lack of trust with talent that the guidance they receive, when they do receive any, will take them in the right direction. And PDs complain that shows don’t accept the limitations of the job anymore. There are fewer resources and everyone is expected to do more, and do more with less support.

So where does that leave us? This is something I’ve been thinking about lately. 

It reminds me of when I was the music director at K101/San Francisco. The GM was frustrated with the PD and sales manager always being at odds. There was little collaboration and often head-to-head battles. So what did he decide to do? 

The PD and Sales Manager had to switch jobs for a week. The PD wore a suit. The sales manager held the music meeting. (The sales manager, unshaven and in jeans, definitely enjoyed the experiment more.) But they both walked away with a much more visceral understanding of what it was like to literally walk in the other man’s shoes.

I’m not recommending that the PD do the show, and the show program the station for a week. What I am asking is this: How often does each “side” put themselves in the shoes of the other? Ask, “What would you do if you were me and faced with this situation?” 

The next time you are frustrated with whoever is on the other side of the conference room table, take a minute to be intentional. Are they just doing their job but their agenda is at odds with what you want? What would you do if you were in their position?

Empathy improves collaboration and communication and creates a positive work culture that people want to be part of. 

Be part of the solution, and keep showing up!

~ Angela