The Non-Technical Team

 

A message from members of our Non-Technical group:

Non-Technical is seemingly a lesser important group in a robotics challenge. However, Team 1676 is run much like a business. If the robot is the product, and the Mechanical, Electrical, and Programming groups work on developing the product, there is still much to be done. Communication, documentation, outreach, financing, and spirit, just to name a few, are all just as important as anything the other groups do.

Non-Technical is working seeking on sponsorship, and applying for grants. They have created a team Presentation, as well as a Team Brochure (both of which are on the About page). Also, we've been producing information about the team (in the form of newspaper articles) to raise community awareness. They are also working on the ongoing process of award submissions.

Because this is Team 1676's rookie year, we believe it is better to produce more paperwork, than to produce less. This way, we'd at least have it all for coming years, no matter how much we use.

What we'll make sure to do next year: Now that we understand the importance of this group, we'll make this group larger. The team has 5 technical sub-groups, and 1 Non-Technical sub-group. So, the Non-Technical group definitely should not be understaffed. The Non-Technical group should organize what they have to do, and make a schedule. The tasks require a lot of work, but if they are not organized, it will seem like more. What has helped us was to organize the tasks in order of priority; what has to be completed before what, and what is more important. Also, Non-Technical doesn't always have to do the work in the same room as the technical groups. Sometimes more stuff can get done in a more casual and stress-free environment.

Advice for rookies: Don't listen to anyone who tells you that the Non-Technical group is of lesser importance than the technical groups. The Non-Technical group makes it possible for the other groups to do what they're doing. And don't think Non-Technical's job is small, either. They have a huge job, and could use help from the rest of the team. Communication is also major. If the Non-Technical group does not have a certain skill that it needs to accomplish a task, it should be able to find someone to help. For instance, certain non-technical tasks require artistic ability. If the no one in the Non-Technical group has these abilities, the members should know who to go to so it could get done, and quickly. Also, reach out to other teams. Most of the other students on the team are going to neglect doing this. However, other teams are the most valuable resource in all of FIRST. The forums on Chief Delphi will become your best friend; other teams are in the exact same place, and they can relate to you. And of course, they'll help you; that's what Gracious Professionalism is all about.