Another Culture Change

[Mr. Van]

Pedestals.

If you consistently win, and time and time again build great robots, you are on a pedestal. Not your fault – others put you there.

Since you are on a pedestal, you are scrutinized more closely than other teams.

Part of the problem is that “haters” of “powerhouse teams” sometimes DO see these teams fail to conduct themselves with grace – or even fail to work within the rules. Powerhouse teams are on a pedestal and what people see and experience becomes multiplied both good and bad.

Everyone here has asked how we can change our FIRST culture. Perhaps this might work:

What if immediately after an incident (say after a booing during a match introduction that is reported to the “powerhouse team”) some members of that team went directly to the “haters” and began a conversation or invited the haters to come to their pit to share ideas? What if the powerhouse team members came by and asked “hater” team members about their robot and their experience? What if they really made an attempt to show the “haters” who they really are? What if they actually helped them compete?

This year it is directly possible – lend your minibot.

What if each powerhouse team adopted just one of the “haters” and worked to change their mind? What if each powerhouse team partnered with a team that was really struggling and worked to build their program?

Is it going to far to ask if powerhouse teams considered – perhaps after they’ve already won a regional or two – picking a weaker team, a “hater” team to be in an alliance and really worked together?

If you think that the “powerhouse teams” shouldn’t have to work to change the attitude of others – you are wrong. Those who are fortunate enough to be part of the teams that are really great are the ones who are MOST able to bring about change. They are on the pedestal and everyone is looking to them.

-Mr. Van
Coach, Robodox