I have been R before, but never white gat for a crew. I will get that opportunity this fall. Either as an R or as a member of a crew, what qualities make your crew great? What do you do weekly, on and off season, to keep getting better? Any resources you use to keep things interesting? Thanks in advance.
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I recommend starting the year with a get together with the whole crew. It's important, as a new crew white hat to let everyone know what your expectations will be. In my case, I make it clear that we will work every game like a team. I elicit suggestions from the crew about how to make the most of our pregame responsibilities from a week to week basis. I want to know what the crew expects from me each week. Some crews, for example, are happy to discuss quiz questions each week. Some crews like to video conference. Some crews like to get assigned topics to prepare for each week's game.
In the worst case scenario, you will learn that your crew expects only to do the bare minimum and will have no interest in dicussion during the week or even meeting after the game each week at the local watering hole.
Once the expectations for the crew are established, let them know what your personal goals for improvement are. If any of them have worked with you before as a R, you may be able to brainstorm goals with crew members. Then, encourage each of your crewmates to set goals for themselves. Using these goals as points of emphasis, you can write them down and have something to work with during the year.
The hardest thing about being a crew chief is managing people who often have very different personalities, abilities, and attitudes. Your position is not unlike a manager in a business. Demonstrate leadership by example. Be a good listener. Facilitate discussion. If you find that your crew is not interested in being led by you, it will be a long year. The white hat position, whether you like it or not, is a leadership role, and the success of your crew will have a lot to do with your ability, as well as the crew's enthusiasm and desire to improve.
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