Adaptability in sports communications

2020 – a year of adaptability. This past year, everyone has had to learn how to adapt to the circumstances of the global pandemic. Those within the workforce, specifically speaking on sports communications in this post, have especially had to learn how to make changes in their daily lives to combat the negative effects of COVID-19.

(Source: Advanced Local)

When it comes to sports communications, being adaptive is vital. Let’s talk about what adaptability is: Your level of adaptability “is how responsive you are to new information, changing conditions or circumstances, commitments to making ongoing improvements in systems/processes or ways of working and how well you handle or make use of uncertain situations” (Vareberg 6:45). Adaptability comprises of two main characteristics: versatility and flexibility.

Versatility is a willingness.

Ask yourself: Am I willing to take on or to do things that I might not have otherwise done before?

You must have a willingness to tackle new challenges and go beyond your comfort zone.

Flexibility is that give.

Ask yourself: If tasked with multiple responsibilities in a job, could I do it?

Would I rather stick to one specific task?

Flexibility is your concept of your ability to do something – that you have a flexible range of skillsets. One must have a broad range of skills to succeed in sports communications or public relations. If you are wanting to only do one thing, then it might not be right for you.

“You have to be willing to be uncomfortable” - Vareberg (3:05)

Upon reading the NBC News article, “'Almost inevitable': Why sports leagues can't avoid the reality of the coronavirus,” a few things stuck out to me. I read this article after watching the lecture, and so many things ran through my head and stuck out to me that were alarming. Thinking back to the lecture and the concepts of versatility and flexibility, I felt as if there was a great difference in these levels between the different sports organizations in handling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let’s take the NBA for example: They want to “bubble” their players in and keep contact minimal outside of their teams. They planned an extensive protocol to prevent and overcome any COVID-19 outbreaks. This would be considered versatile, as managers are dealing with a crisis that is new to them. This would also be flexible, because the professional athletes are being selfless – sacrificing some of their desires for the team’s and program’s needs. This is why they had greater support on their protocol.

If we look at the MLB, their protocol proposed self-isolation as necessary, as well as new rules prohibiting players spitting and pitchers licking their fingers before throwing the ball. Unlike the NBA, they did not support the “bubble” concept, and went with these alternative protocols instead. They did not receive as much support or trust from the media and society, because they were lacking is versatility and flexibility in what is supposed to be a commitment to their team and organization.

With that, I leave you with this final question:

Do you think you have the adaptability to work in sports communications?

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References

García-Hodges, Ahiza. (2020, July 1). 'Almost inevitable': Why sports leagues can't avoid the reality of the coronavirus. NBCnews. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/all/can-sports-return-responsibly-during-covid-19-pandemic-n1232494

Vareberg, Kyle. [Kyle Vareberg]. (2021, April) Week 15 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX2nNEgMyiE&ab_channel=KyleVareberg