Mentors Not Reading Rules

[IronicDeadBird]

What you talking about I'm always right...
No but on a serious note from a mentors stand point here is what I expect when I walk into a discussion about something two things need to be brought to the table.
1. A level clear head open to different opinions.
2. Examples and information for an idea
Just because an idea is against the rules doesn't mean all information within the idea is invalid. When presented with something that isn't legal hear it out (unless it is of course ridiculous or against what FIRST stands for) then the burden of proof is on you to pull out the rule book point and say something along the lines of "According to the rule book or manual where my finger is pointing I don't think that is an option."
At the same time when you are against an "idea" you are not against the person presenting the idea you are against the idea. Don't make things personal. Regardless of it being a student, a mentor, or a guest coming an idea is an expression and disrespecting that expression is very rude. FIRST is about promoting growth and thought not about making people feel scared and vulnerable for speaking up.
My final bit of thought as a mentor is that I know I joke a lot, but I don't ever know what students are thinking. So when I step up and call myself a mentor I am stepping up to a standard. Everyone who I influence is allowed to hold me to that standard. When a student goes up to me and infront of other students or alone goes "Hey I know what you did there you thought was funny or whatever but it crossed a line..." At that point as someone who takes the position seriously I am all ears.
Conversation is but an ocean where the best ideas sail gently on calm seas not storms of frustration.