On September 30th, the Qubit Bot robotics team had the privilege of hosting Jessica Cole, Managing Director of PMO and Operations at SHI International Corp., for a virtual outreach event. Organized by Team member Harper, the session delved into the intricate dynamics of leadership and its practical application in team environments, including robotics.
Introducing Jessica Cole
As Managing Director at SHI International Corp., Jessica Cole oversees various operations and project management initiatives within the Advanced Solutions Group. Her extensive experience in leadership and team management provided the Qubit Bot team with valuable insights into how leadership evolves and its crucial role in both corporate and competitive environments, such as FTC robotics.
Understanding Leadership: The Five Levels
One of the main topics Jessica discussed was John Maxwell’s “Five Levels of Leadership.” She emphasized that true leadership goes beyond mere authority and requires the development of meaningful relationships and the ability to inspire others. Jessica provided a breakdown of these five levels, each highlighting different stages of leadership:
Position
This is where people follow a leader because they must, based on authority or title.
Permission
At this level, people follow because they want to, based on a relationship built on trust and connection.
Production
Here, followers are inspired by the results and accomplishments a leader brings to the organization.
People Development
Leaders at this stage actively develop others, mentoring and enabling their team to grow and succeed.
Pinnacle
The highest level, where people follow a leader out of deep respect for who they are and what they represent.
Jessica guided the team through these levels, illustrating how each stage requires different skills and mindsets, and how reaching the Pinnacle level is an ongoing journey of self-improvement and influence.
Team Learnings from the Event
The session inspired several key takeaways for the Qubit Bot team:
Building Relationships
The idea that leadership isn’t just about giving orders but building trust resonated deeply with the team. They realized the importance of creating an environment where every team member feels valued and heard, which will foster stronger teamwork throughout the season.
Achieving Results
The Production level, which focuses on results, reminded the team to celebrate their achievements while also pushing for continuous improvement. With their experience in past seasons, they are motivated to use this knowledge to refine their strategy and execution for the upcoming FTC season.
Mentoring and People Development
One of the most significant insights came from the discussion on People Development. The team recognized that not only do they need to focus on their own growth, but they should also help mentor new members and foster a culture of learning within the group. This will ensure the team’s sustainability and success in future seasons.
Applying Leadership to Robotics
Leadership isn’t confined to the corporate world. The team learned how these principles can be directly applied to their robotics journey. From communication and collaboration during build sessions to decision-making under pressure at competitions, leadership plays a pivotal role in ensuring team success.
Looking Ahead: Applying Leadership Lessons to FTC
As the team prepares for the new FIRST FTC season, they are eager to implement the lessons learned from the outreach event. They see leadership as not just a position held by one or two individuals but as a collective responsibility. Every team member, regardless of role, can contribute to the team’s success by embracing leadership principles such as trust, accountability, and development.
By focusing on building relationships, fostering open communication, and continuously improving both individually and as a team, the Qubit Bot team is well-positioned to lead not only within their robotics community but also in their wider endeavors as STEM advocates.
In conclusion, Jessica Cole’s discussion on leadership provided the team with a fresh perspective on how they can elevate their teamwork and approach to challenges in the upcoming season. Leadership is not about authority—it's about influence, results, and fostering growth, qualities the Qubit Bot team is now excited to apply in their robotics journey.
Comments