Quote:
Originally Posted by Molten
I've read many people talk about offending other teams with their awards. Many find this preposterous because the word chosen was "offend". I definitely agree that nobody will be offended by a list of awards. I would rather inject a different word, "intimidated". I've seen many freshmen* go to their first regional and they get mighty intimidated. Sure, the size of the competition certainly has an effect. But something else that might play a role is realizing the success of their opponents. Thoughts such as, "Look at them, they won the championships last year...we don't have a chance" is a common thought when presented with such displays of pride. Perhaps this isn't a real issue, but I've reassured many students that we all have the same chance as the big teams. I'm not saying that pride is a bad thing. A teacher of mine once told me, "Even the strongest armor needs polished sometimes". Just try to not polish it to the point that its blinding.
*I choose to use this term for new member of the team...not necessarily to the school.
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The mark of a good captain is one in which his/her crew genuinely believes that no matter how hairy a storm or battle gets, they will emerge victorious. Doubt and intimidation about success often proves a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Confidence cannot come from rhetoric alone. It must come at least partially from first-hand experience. Team building exercises, Vex competitions, and attending FRC off-season competitions are all great ways to boost confidence of new members.