The institutionalization of FRC teams, and the toxicity it creates

[Jon Stratis]

FIRST is not about the robot, and it's also not about the team. Those are just two of the tools we use to do what FIRST is about: inspiration.

Every team goes through periods where they have conflicting personalities. Every team has to deal with "helicopter parents" that want to push their kid into positions others may be better suited for. It happens, and it's up to the team leadership (both student and adult leadership) to figure out how to handle those situations. The best way is to focus on developing your internal operations and procedures so they don't allow those types of negative situations.

As odd as it sounds, a focus on the team can be a powerful tool for improving individual outcomes. A winning team is one that can gather more members, more interest, and more dedication, if winning is handled by the team leadership properly. Challenging your students to make an impact on the team, to leave it better off than when they joined, or to start something that will continue on past their time with the team does two things - it helps to continuously drive the team forward, and it helps the students develop their creativity and leadership skills in whichever way they want.

Ultimately, it comes down to how the team leadership steers the team. The student leaders can steer the short term, and are an important part of the equation, but it's the mentor leadership that steers the long term view. If you find you can't agree with how the team leadership is steering the team, and you can't change it, then it's better for your personal health to leave and find someplace more conducive to your way of thinking.

There are many different ways to run a team, and there is no one "right" way.