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Re: Building just isn't a priority anymore
Reading the initial post and reason for this thread, I think you have a few great problems. Meaning - yes, there are problems but they can be worked through and problem-solved. That process of problem-solving will strengthen the team in a lot of areas such as team organization, communication, time management, and expectations regarding members' behavior and attitudes.
I may have overlooked it but I'm not seeing anything about the mentors of the team. I'm also not seeing anything about consequences, expectations, or rules in place - established before recruitment and build and enforced during build and competition.
It's good to have so many people that are creative and energetic. The trick is to channel that into positive impact on the team and the community. One thought that I have is about members who have no idea of how the team is organized or run and what the rules and expectations are. An example that I can give is a couple of soccer players that joined the team. Early in the build, they came in with their soccer balls and were kicking them and headbutting them around the metal shop where the robot was being worked on. It created mayhem and could have damaged the robot. Very quickly, the balls were put in time-out and the new members were taught that the those types of games were not allowed in the shop. Period. Same with the lacrosse equipment that followed and the pool noodles that appeared for the purpose of bumpers not bopping.
Each year is different but if you have a consistent approach to how the team is run and the members know the rules and expectations up front, it is very helpful when situations begin to get out of hand. And, the mentors are key to making sure that does not happen by enforcing the rules and keeping the expectations present and current during the process.
Jane
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Excellence is contagious. ~ Andy Baker, President, AndyMark, Inc. and Woodie Flowers Award 2003
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller (1880-1968)
Last edited by JaneYoung : 28-07-2011 at 13:11.
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