Changing a culture of cynicism

[matthewdenny]

Originally Posted by YAK'ker

Have seen this...even from my own son, who lived, loved, and breathed FIRST for many years. (Robotics competitions at the college level sort of destroyed his enthusiasm for competition, unfortunately.) Our demographics are similar to yours....I believe that cynicism extends to almost every activity at school. I always wonder that they get through their day and do so well academically, with their poor attitudes. But - it is a FRONT - they are wanting to find some way to make themselves unique and feel superior, even though they feel completely inferior in most respects. By acting like they are rejecting the spirit of the competition, it puts them in a safe spot where they don't have to feel rejected if they do join in. It's maddening to us mentors to deal with their "I am above your petty enthusiasm" attitude, especially when they screw up the Chairmans Award video they were assigned (what happened to us this year.)

I believe it is really best to confront them about their attitude. Ask them to give you more than a flippant reason why they are doing this. Let them know that you feel it undermines the team's success. Tell them you know they have much to give to the team, but if they can't be positive, they should consider not being part of it.

For those of us who are coming from a tough spot already, a positive attitude makes all the difference in how we view our successes and failures and whether we grow from them or let them limit us.

^^ This is what I want to describe. How has this approach worked for you? I don't want to drive them away.