The Stereotyping of Successful Teams

[Jared Russell]

Originally Posted by ttldomination

From a growing team, let me ask you a question.

What is your biggest component to maintaining sustained excellence?

As a veteran in FIRST, I believe the continued success of the team is in the hands of mentors. This belief has served me well, and has only grown over the years.

However, I'm on a team that is very dynamic. A good chunk of our mentor base is college-level; a chunk that stands to grow in the coming years. With such a "volatile" mentor core, I'm wondering what factors other teams use to make sure they maintain a level of success for years to come?

- Sunny G.

I would take your belief one step further.

Students learn from, are inspired by, and emulate their mentors. A team with a solid mentor base helps to create a productive, inspired, and ultimately successful group of students.

Mentors learn from, are inspired by, and emulate each other. A team with a great lead mentor leads to a productive, inspired, and ultimately successful group of mentors.

Each level of the pyramid looks up at the next for inspiration and to grow (even within the student group it is obvious how much the rookies look up to the veterans...even if they won't admit it).

In other words, building sustained excellence happens when you start with the right pieces at the top...and pick up the rest of the pieces on your way.

[Gdeaver]

Did some one step on the Daisies? Don't step on the Daisies. For several year's now our team has been having many problems. In search for solutions we looked to the successful teams in our area for the model and plan for our survival and growth. 2 teams that have been unbelievably helpful and responsible for not only our survival but, our growth are Miss Daisy (341) and MOE (365). If you get to know these teams you will not find superstars but a group of rather normal human beings that are dedicated and committed to the ideals of First. They work year round to maintain their teams. They dedicate way too many hours to the effort. In stead of being envious of their success, one would be better off getting to know them and see what lead to their success and work those concepts into your own program.

Please, Please do not step on the Daisies.

[Clem1640]

Our team made a similar decision 5 years back; dissatisfied with never winning anything. When we made this decision, we really had little understanding of what we needed to do to actually become a better, more competitive team (and at the same time to bring more value to our students). So we looked for role models. Fortunately, we didn't need to look very far.

Teams 341 (Miss Daisy) and 365 (MOE) quickly became my references on how a well-run team should operate. Students and Mentors of both of these teams are very open and helpful. I have learned volumes from Daisy and MOE and have become a better mentor as a result. Our team has become a better, more competitive team as well.

It's easy and satisfying to denegrate the successful, but it's far better to emulate and learn from them!

I agree with Gdeaver: Don't step on the Daisies!