Chronic Problems
Hi. I've been involved with FRC since 8th grade (I got a special invitation to join the team from my middle school tech teacher).
Over the years I have developed enough knowledge to actively participate and help lead the student core of the team. In taking this role, it is my duty to provide solutions to problems that I've seen over the years. I came to this forum because it happens to be the most knowledgeable community on anything FRC related.
1. Fund Raising - Every year my team seems to be scrambling for the bare minimum to enter our regional competition (forget about the nationals). This takes away valuable time from team organization and "pre kit-arrival" planning. Are we in the same boat as everyone else? If not, how does your team avoid this problem?
2. Team Members - Many times I feel the size of a team has an inverse relationship on the productivity of the group. I realize this is a learning experience, and really the competition is meaningless, but it seems some people come down to the meetings and do nothing but detract from the other's ability to work effectively. I feel that there is a core group of people that are very knowledgeable and work well together to finalize a goal. Then there are some people that aren't that knowledgeable that somehow find ways to inhibit the smooth flow of work put into the project. I am in no position to tell people not to come, nor do I feel that it would be justified if I could. However, are there any tips on getting these "lazy" people to work? I've tried assigning tasks that are semi-crucial to the team, such as tool organizing, PR work, and the like - but it seems like these projects, though important, are degrading and no-one will stay on task. (Granted, if I was put on one of those assignments I probably wouldn't stay on task either). Basically, I'm looking for a way to keep people mainly working in areas they can produce good work in. I don't feel one person should be isolated to a single job without any input on anything else, but it always seems to waste so much time (our single most important resource), arguing with someone who doesn't know a piston from a Victor about how to wire the robot (note, this is a complaint I hear from most of the "core" group of the team, not just myself).
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help out, and sorry for the long post. I tend to ramble on a bit, but some times it can't be avoided.
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