MSNative Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Anyone ever led a DI team? I was just asked to lead one and I've never participated in it at all. I've read up on it and it looks wonderful so I'm quite interested. However, I feel like I may be biting off way more than I can chew. Anyone able to give me advice on starting and guiding a team and what I'd be getting into? Or just slap me in the cyber-head and tell me to quickly turn down the request. Thanks for any guidance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 This sounds very similar to Odyssey of the Mind. I have coached OotM two years and worked on the regional board as Sales Director for two years. I would suspect the level of work for a coach/team leader is about the same between the two programs. I really enjoyed it, but a lot depends on the personalities of the children on your team. I would say the time commitment was about 2 hours a week for most of the program year and 3 hours a night/4 nights a week for the last few weeks before the competition. The hardest part was making sure the adults (leaders and parents) left the kids ALONE to do the work. No help, no 'suggestions' etcv. Lessons learned: The first year they were very eager and worked well together, we spent most of our time on the long term problem and they did very well however they came in second place overall because they were not as prepared for the spontaneous problem. If you coach a team remember to prepare for both sides of the contest. Second year, one kid (and mom) caused a lot of grief. The kids started to hate the meetings. It was hard to get anything done. We went to state that year and everyone moaned about having to stay together another month. Personalities really matter when you have to work closely together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSNative Posted December 15, 2010 Author Share Posted December 15, 2010 Words of wisdom. Personalities can make or break a team. I will def. take time to look into who wants to be on the team. Thanks for sharing! Anyone else with info/advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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