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Unread 14-10-2012, 22:57
Andrew Lawrence
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Coaching, Managing

There is no correct way to run a FIRST team, but most teams lean towards either the side of a "team", or towards the side of a "club". The team is more focused on accomplishing things, and the club more towards having fun. This doesn't mean that as a "team", you can't have fun, or as a "club", you won't accomplish anything, but how you categorize your team will affect how things are done. To compare with what you're saying, think of it like this - Running a "team" is like running a company, and running a "club" is like running a family. You can be equally both, but that can cause problems (see point of this thread).

On the "team" side of things, this person isn't doing the work they're signing up for. If left in charge of a serious and important task, they wouldn't get it done. That's a huge no no right there, and should lead to a serious talk and potential termination if they don't get their act together.

On the "club" side of things, failure is acceptable. We are only humans, and we can't do everything right. This person just needs careful guidance. Make sure you confront them and tell them what they've been doing wrong, but also tell them you'll work with them to work things out.

It all comes down to this: If you had 100 units of robotics, and you could split it between two categories, either 'Relaxed and fun' or 'Serious and hardworking', how many units of both would you end up having? Rule: No 50-50.

Basically, what is your priority. You're posting here because there is a problem, a problem you don't find acceptable. My guess is that you'd be more on the 'Serious and hardworking' side, but still have a lot of fun. Just more focused on that one side. But the decision is up to you.
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