FRC team crisis - any suggestions?

[connor.worley]

Keep in mind that Coach Z might be reducing the amount of time the team spends together so that they can pay more attention to it personally. Their intentions are probably good, and solo mentoring is very hard, so don't try to attack them but definitely bring up the possibility of allowing the students to be more responsible for parts of the team.

If this doesn't work: who runs the club on paper? Who's most connected to the school / part of the faculty? Go to them, get things fixed, and if you have to create constitution that doesn't allow for things like this to happen.

Sorry you're having problems with Coach Z.

[supernoodle]

Originally Posted by connor.worley

Keep in mind that Coach Z might be reducing the amount of time the team spends together so that they can pay more attention to it personally. Their intentions are probably good, and solo mentoring is very hard, so don't try to attack them but definitely bring up the possibility of allowing the students to be more responsible for parts of the team.

If this doesn't work: who runs the club on paper? Who's most connected to the school / part of the faculty? Go to them, get things fixed, and if you have to create constitution that doesn't allow for things like this to happen.

Sorry you're having problems with Coach Z.

Thanks for your input, Connor. Time constraints are OK with me, since most likely, they will end up being extended anyways. However, what is really catching me is that we are being lectured rather than having a hands-on experience, like we usually did. Coach Z is focusing much more on CAD and actual engineering concepts rather than team bonding and community outreach/sponsorship than usual. Besides all the things I listed in my original post, there are some other things that Coach Z has done that we approve at all.

[Joseph Smith]

Here's my advice: first call a meeting with all current mentors and the school administration (minus coach Z.) Explain the situation, and how you feel the new direction is negatively affecting the team. Decide how you would like to re-organize, whether by choosing a new coach or having the mentors work together to make team decisions. Once you're all on the same page, have a meeting with everyone including coach Z and let the school administration explain the team's concerns and the new organization. The fact of the matter is, one mentor (who hasn't been around very long) should not be able to "decide" that he is in charge of the whole thing. If the majority of the team disagrees with him, then the team can choose to make a change.

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by Joseph Smith

Here's my advice: first call a meeting with all current mentors and the school administration (minus coach Z.) Explain the situation, and how you feel the new direction is negatively affecting the team. Decide how you would like to re-organize, whether by choosing a new coach or having the mentors work together to make team decisions. Once you're all on the same page, have a meeting with everyone including coach Z and let the school administration explain the team's concerns and the new organization. The fact of the matter is, one mentor (who hasn't been around very long) should not be able to "decide" that he is in charge of the whole thing. If the majority of the team disagrees with him, then the team can choose to make a change.

This would be an incredibly BAD idea. Secret and exclusionary meetings lead to mistrust and strife. There are concerns that you may not aware of as a student. Coach Z may be working with restrictions: mentor time, budget, etc,. OPEN communicate that does not seek to place blame or make him/her the bad guy is the best way to start this discussion.

You need to take two steps back, and take a deep breath. The only thing constant in this world is change. How you handle will do more to define you than coach Z.

[Michael Corsetto]

Unmet expectations result in anger and frustration.

Identify the specific ways you do not like the new direction this mentor is taking the team, develop your reasons for why you do not like them and think they will have a negative effect on the team, and then discuss with your parents and some trusted members the best way to communicate that to your team, including your new mentor (coach Z).

It's always hard to discuss conflict with an adult as a high school student. I hope you can embrace it as an amazing learning experience.

Best of luck working with your team to keep your team going.

-Mike

PS. I think I know which team this is, if you want help, feel free to PM me.