[DonRotolo]

I know of teams like this, and it breaks my heart.

While having a nice robot is kinds fun, how much fun can it be when you just show up in week 3 and assemble a bunch of near-perfect parts, then watch the drive team practice, practice, practice. Like the false ideas of self-esteem foisted upon kids by some schools (and parents), they have lost sight of the fact that only hard work builds self-esteem. Becoming a champion with no work destroys self-esteem, and teaches an actively harmful lesson.

What to do about it depends on your tenacity.

You can give up on the team, explain why to all of them, and go support some other team - I'm sure there are others in the vicinity who can benefit from your knowledge, experience and energy. Carry a candle in your heart for them, but leave them be.

You can work to change the team back closer to what they should be. remember that it's your vision of the team, not necessarily the coach's, sponsor's, parent's or even student's. You won't be successful without the support of at least some of these groups. Remember, some sponsors feel that a winning team shows their company in the best light, and that supplying a perfect winbot to the team is a good thing.

If I had to do this, I'd probably make a powerpoint showing the issue and solution*, and have everyone sit through it (surprise!). Being a 10 year vet, you can probably use that pull to bring everyone together for a 'meeting' without telling the topic of discussion. Speak about the big elephant in the room, and let the chips fall where they may.

An alternative would be to convince the coaches, one at a time if need be, privately. I personally would not be able to do this well, so it wouldn't be my choice, but perhaps your situation and skillset are different.

Good luck, sleep well knowing that you 'get it'.

Don

*That's the engineer in me, everything can be boiled down to a problem statement and solution proposal. Life is seldom so black & white.


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