The Core, The Median, The Outliers

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by RoboTIP

I know it is hard work

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. Doing it like that is DARN HARD, doing it the other way is far easier.

On 1676 three years ago we instituted a general "Mentor Hands Off" policy - essentially mentors are not allowed to build any part of the robot*. It is really difficult - a real lot of effort - and somewhat less fun to have kids do everything, but that's best for them.

The team is NOT about what's best for the mentors, but what's best for the students. Too often I hear "That mentor is a real idiot, he** is hurting the team, but I have to keep him because (he is a sponsor/his kid is the leader/he is the only tech guy I have/name your own excuse)". I say, if he doesn't get with the program, let him know he is not welcome next year, and stick to it.

It is easy to be righteous on Chief Delphi, and harder to implement in life. But there is a goal for you. It might not happen in a summer, or in a year, but know what you're reaching for, make sure you communicate it consistently, often and clearly, and gradually remove those obstacles.

*Some minor exceptions exist - for safety or at crunch time, for example)
** or she