Team applications: Yes, or no?

Originally Posted by DampRobot

This. In my mind, an "application" implies the possibility of rejection, while this seems more like paperwork associated with joining the team. If this is what SuperNerd meant by "application," I would encourage him to peruse it. Informational paperwork seems like a good idea in almost any organisation.

I'll look into this, since it does seem like a good option.

Our team's problem isn't commitment, since, surprisingly, we have a good amount of committed students. It's productivity. We have students who come all the time, but don't do anything, and often disrupt the productive ones. Basically, the point of the application is to see if the students who want to join will be serious about the work given to them. Commitment, while important, has never seemed to be much of a problem on the team.

Thanks for the help, DampRobot and Eric!

[loyal]

First don't call it an application call it an information sheet. That way it wont imply a refusal of acceptance. Always let them join. Next all new members should show there worth by accomplishing some of the not so glamorous tasks like fund raising , cleaning, paper work, painting. You know what I'm talking about. This will cut the dead wood so fast you wont believe it. Unless the new member has come with a legitimate letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor or is known to have outstanding skills that cant be denied, all should start at the bottom. The cream will rise to the top fast. Redirect the potential achievers to positions that use there best qualities effectively and efficiently. If you have a member that is not very productive and can talk a good game about why they are not productive then guess what? You just have got your self a good public relations person or sales person. Every team needs a smooth talker. The point is look for the best qualities one has to offer and put it to good use. That's the making of a good leader. Also take into consideration a members personal issues. Things might not be going so well for an individual at times. You will always have over achievers and under achievers. Its a fact of life. As long as every member has at lest one hand in at pulling the cart you will get your robot to the big show.

So applications= no. Information sheet= yes.

20 year small business owner.

Originally Posted by loyal

First don't call it an application call it an information sheet. That way it wont imply a refusal of acceptance. Always let them join. Next all new members should show there worth by accomplishing some of the not so glamorous tasks like fund raising , cleaning, paper work, painting. You know what I'm talking about. This will cut the dead wood so fast you wont believe it. Unless the new member has come with a legitimate letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor or is known to have outstanding skills that cant be denied, all should start at the bottom. The cream will rise to the top fast. Redirect the potential achievers to positions that use there best qualities effectively and efficiently. If you have a member that is not very productive and can talk a good game about why they are not productive then guess what? You just have got your self a good public relations person or sales person. Every team needs a smooth talker. The point is look for the best qualities one has to offer and put it to good use. That's the making of a good leader. Also take into consideration a members personal issues. Things might not be going so well for an individual at times. You will always have over achievers and under achievers. Its a fact of life. As long as every member has at lest one hand in at pulling the cart you will get your robot to the big show.

So applications= no. Information sheet= yes.

20 year small business owner.

Thanks so much! I appreciate everyone's advice, from this thread or PM! One of the many reasons I love FIRST and CD is because of all of the knowledge people are willing to teach you. I've benefited immensely from everyone here. Thanks!