“On the Nature of Rising Tempers” - Perspectus #8

As we enter the final stretch of our build season, Code Red members often start to fantasize. In a perfect world, there would be no arguments over robot design. In a perfect world, each build team would work together in perfect unison, quickly designing and assembling a functional robot, leaving ample time to test the control and different systems.  While we’re wishing, you might as well throw in world peace, the end of global climate change and a sustainable fusion based energy source.

The reality is that we don’t live in such a world. We live in a world where problems and conflicts are a daily occurrence.  And as a result of these challenges, tempers do start to rise, and disagreements are inevitable. Throughout the build season, several points of argument have been experienced, specifically about certain elements in the design of the robot.

Now the prospect of such arguments may seem disheartening, it is easy to take any instance of discord in the club as a sign of the failure of teamwork or communications. This however is far from the truth, it is important to view these incidents in a different manner. These points of contentions among members or among mentors and students are the direct result of unwavering passion; it is because each and every member of this club is so dedicated, so passionate about the spirit of the build.

If there were no passion for this club, the result would be an argument free situation. I’m not one to speak for anyone else, but I would take being passionate enough to fight for something any day over being indifferent about everything.

Conflicts during build season also provide for an invaluable learning experience. As we’ve previously established, the world isn’t a perfect place. By teaching members how to positively and constructively deal with conflicts and arguments in Code Red, our club is preparing students for the world beyond high school.

So ladies and gentlemen, as we near the impending ship date, remember to have a positive outlook on the conflicts that are sure to arise. As the late Robert Frost so wisely said, “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper.”

-Anonymous