Quote:
Originally Posted by MrJohnston
This bothers me. My team does not lie to judges at all... We also work hard to be accurate in our assessments of our work and deeds for our Chairman's presentations.... You make it sound like we are at a serious competitive disadvantage for being honest.... I thought FIRST was supposed to be better than this?
I recognize that, with 3000 teams and tens (hundreds?) of thousands of participants and mentors, some folks will be a bit misguided. But to think that it's the "norm" does not sit well with me.
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I don't think it really is the norm. I do think that teams with little experience may see the efforts they make as bigger than they really are. It is perfectly natural to be proud of accomplishments and to see them as awesome or amazing when, after seeing what others do, they are just average. Every team sees its robot as amazing and they should, it is only in the crucible of competition that teams can compare with other robots. Even then the natural tendency of a team is to only remember the good things. It is fitting to do that... we all do it.
When a team crosses the line and makes up things, or intentionally lies it is a different situation. I have been around many teams and I don't think our competition breeds this kind of behavior for the most part. I think that teams that do that usually give themselves away.
Your team should be justifiably proud of your accomplishments, NRG has a great team and the power and value of your team and your experiences and the effort that you make shines through in all you do. This honest pride is reflected in your chairman's group and your individual team members.
Teams without this honesty show a different kind of light. It is visible. This is the power of honesty in our society. It is a light and you can't imitate it or cheat your way into making believe that you have it.
Your team has the light. I have seen it... Don't worry that you are at a disadvantage. You have put yourself in a position of a great honest advantage by what you do and who you are. You are a success and you are already winners.
We hope to get a chance to work with you this year.