Following the Leader
We’ve all been there, in that, “Oh shoot, what do I do now?” freeze-in-place moment. It’s nothing new. Whether we’re on the assignment desk, a graphics artist, reporter, or MJ, every job has them and, lucky for me, I’ve had them all. Its part of the ATVN experience. We’re all growing.
I think that’s the key for me: I can relate. I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to be stuck, in a funk, stressed, and exhausted. I also know what it takes to rally and push through it.
I can’t assume that everyone’s going to wake up on the “right side of the bed” every Monday morning (and certainly not the 8am crew). But I think it’s important to do our best as producers to set a good example. Say “hello”, smile, ask how weekends were, and drink as much coffee as it takes to be energetic during the morning meetings. We also need to remind people that we’re in this together. I woke up at 7am too and, by the end of the day, will be there at 6pm to make sure the show is the best it can be.
Another important reminder is to STAY POSITIVE. We need to take a deep breathe and cheer each other on, no matter how bad things get. I know that for me, I can’t take a whole lot of negative criticism. It becomes personal. We all make mistakes and, most times, just need some positive reinforcement to get past and learn from them. If a teammate is falling behind, I want to be his or her #1 cheerleader. I truly believe that everyone will be their best if they know someone has their back. And if I have theirs, they’ll generally have mine too.
"Tee dum, tee dee
A teedle ee do tee day
Tee dum, tee dee
A teedle deelde deeay
Oh, a teedle ee dum
A deedle ee do tee day
Oh, a teedle ee dum
A teedle ee do tee day."
