FAHA: Communication between mentors

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Dear Frustrated FIRSTer,
You are dealing with a brand new set of rules with this rookie teacher. This relationship requires some understanding and compromise. Don't take offense to everything he might do or say. Give him the leeway you would any rookie. You can let him know what other teams do in similar situations. You can discuss what might need to be in an email and even offer to compose it and send it to him for his approval. As the experienced mentor you may know what works, but this person may need to figure it out. When he sees you as less of a hindrance and more of a help, things may go more smoothly.
All mentors should keep the students in mind. If it isn't good for the students, it simply is not the right thing to do. Your interaction will affect the students, so that kind of puts a different spin on things. Keep your eye on the prize, if he doesn't do things your way but the students still have a good time then it might be just fine.