Joel Raab has an extensive background in radio programming, consulting and management. His major market experience began as an air talent in Chicago. From 1978 – 1985 he programmed the leading Country stations in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and New York. In August of 1985, Joel Raab formed his own radio consultancy. He specializes in programming and marketing for Country formatted stations. Present clients include radio stations owned by most of the major broadcast groups. A graduate of Northwestern University, Raab’s experience includes consulting the Mutual and MJI Radio Networks. He currently serves on the Agenda Committee of the Country Radio Seminar, and spoken at both the CRS and NAB Programming Conferences on many occasions. Joel Raab lives in Newtown, Pennsylvania with his wife, son, and daughter and can be reached at (215) 750-6868 or JoelRaab@aol.com.

"COACHING AIR TALENT"
by Joel Raab

Coaching is one of the most important roles you will ever have as a manager. As a program director, you inherit this responsibility. As in athletics, it's up to you to make sure everyone who works for you continues to improve. Some techniques I have learned over the years include these:

1. Remember that you are never "reviewing" or "critiquing". You are "coaching." People (talent especially) would much rather be coached than critiqued.

2. As a guide, meet daily with your morning show; weekly with full time air talent; and monthly with part timers. A quick "Hi, great show today" pat on the back is great to do, but doesn't count as a meeting.

3. Prepare a tape with points you want to discuss. Have your points in writing to give to the talent after the meeting. Don't wing it. Also, encourage the talent to bring a specific tape he/she would like to review. Play their tape first.

4. In your meeting, you do not always have to listen to a tape. Talent are individuals and must be managed independently. Sometimes just talking about the show is more effective than listening to breaks.

5. Very important: Do not take calls or read trades while coaching. Focus intently on the conversation. This is your "quality" time with the talent. Also, don't cancel a meeting unless there is an emergency. No matter how busy you are, realize that this is one of the most important things you do as a PD. When someone interrupts and you say, "I can't talk with you, I'm meeting with (talent)", that speaks volumes to how important he/she is.

6. Meet in a neutral place or their territory. If it's a morning show meeting, I think it's best to meet in their office if they have one. Otherwise, a conference room will do.

7. Always start with the positives and/or progress that's been made. Cite specific examples of what entertained you. Just saying "good show" or "good break" leaves talent feeling empty.

8. Deliver your "ways to do things better" directly. Most talent want to hear the truth. As long as they know you are on their side and there to help they will be OK with it.

9. For morning show teams, treat them as individuals and as a group. There may be some sensitive points for the quarterback of the show that should not be said in front of everyone else. Other points may be addressed to the group. Ask yourself, "would I want my boss to say this to me in front of other people."

10. More than anything, talent want ideas. If they view you as a resource, coaching sessions will be a welcome experience.

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