Jul 25, 2023
My 7 Years in Robotics
Charismatic in social situations, energetic in public speaking, and passionate about constant communications. These are key markers of a successful, extraverted leader, and everything I was not.
Then something started to shift within me. The defiance from staying silent led to blind confidence that my leadership style could add value to the team. Whenever a team member suggested a new idea, I would be the first to get on board and make a proof-of-concept, reserving all worries and judgments. With such encouragement, the members gradually followed me; I was able to secure the director position the following year.
Knowing that the quieter people would be reluctant to boast about their ability, I conducted tests for driving, programming, journaling, and building to determine in which position each person would flourish. I continually tried to find hidden gems in members, like discovering a member who hated computers but was a magician with wrenches. My laissez-faire style of leadership allowed creativity and unique strengths to shine in the team.
However, not everything was smooth sailing. Our ticket date to the Kentucky Robotics competition approached, and frustration among the builders and the programmers was evident as tension grew as each changed screws and codes with frown faces.
Over dinner, team members and I shared honest thoughts about our concerns. In the end, the problem boiled down to the frustration stemming from the temporary insecurity of not achieving the goal we had all dreamed of as a team. After the dinner, the team’s frustration subsided, and we were able to continue sharpening our edges toward the competition.
Up until my experiences as a director, I thought the leader should be extroverted, vocal, and always in the middle of the limelight. However, Leadership is not about impressing the masses and being vocal but appealing to your team’s emotions, addressing their concerns, to make them better than before.
Journal
Creating a journal was a significant part of our journey, and also a great achievement to look back on. Below is our most recent journal for the VEX Worlds' Championship
Journal
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