GARDENING HINTS FOR GROWING AIR TALENT by Dan O'Day Define the job when you hire the person. During the job interview, listen to the music as well as the words. Give the air talent a clear mission statement. Show the air talent what success will look like. Expect mistakes. Expect complaints. Point to the goal, then get out of the way. (Point them in the right direction, but don't draw them a map.) Keep the mosquitoes away from the talent. Give feedback. Give encouragement. BE HONEST: In hiring In your day-to-day dealings with the air talent In giving feedback to your air talent The better he is, the harder he'll fight to protect his show. or The better she is, the less crap she'll take from you. Keep the air talent focused. If she starts doing things that you think are hurting the show, ask, "What are you trying to accomplish with that?" Post speed limit signs. Hire someone who has a vision of his show...not just what he wants to do, but what the show will sound and feel like. Praise success. Reward new failures. Add fertilizer when necessary.