I always thought it would be best if Mentors stayed out of the box. I think the team captain and/or the team tactician should be the 'leaders.' Part of FIRST is about teaching real life skills. Managing/leadership is a real life skill. As a mentor I supposedly have these skills already. I want the students on the team to learn them - and practice makes perfect.

On Team 255 (2000 Champs) we carried this philosophy to the extreme. After week one of build no 'adult' was allowed to touch the robot with a tool in their hand.