pd190 0 #1 June 27, 2003 Okay, here's the situation and I'm looking for helpful advice from folks...... Got a young jumper here that causes personal conflicts with everyone. General concensus is that his attitude and mouth are going to get him kicked off of the dropzone. I hate seeing anyone being kicked off. It's not that he is unsafe, but it's his mouth and how he interacts with other jumpers, prospective tandems and students. I know this is some "as the prop turns" shit, but I think that the kid is trainable to become a good skydiver. He just past his C test and is interested in starting to work video. However, none of the tandem masters here will agree to work with him. Not because he's unsafe, but because of his attitude. He has already been talked to by the senior instructors, S&TA, and the DZO. Is there any point to me taking him under my wing and trying to coach him to be better and change his character, or am I wasting my time? This whole situation is about to get out of control if someone doesn't do something. I would like to work with him before it turns into a blacklisting from our DZ. Do ya'll think I should make an attempt, or should I just let it be and let him find another dropzone?? (would hate to see him being pawned off on another zone, just to create more problems there.) Any advice is greatly appreciated.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genn 0 #2 June 27, 2003 QuoteIs there any point to me taking him under my wing and trying to coach him to be better and change his character, or am I wasting my time? I think it would be very admirable of you to give it a try. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #3 June 27, 2003 Sounds like an attitude adjustment in the form of a stern talking-to is in order."The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skysquiffy 0 #4 June 27, 2003 Where's the harm in trying? It's already apparent that you have some concern for him and the situation so I say be constructive and put the concern to use. Can you be a little more specfic about his "attitude"? Not being funny, but most jumpers have them so his must be a real doozie. Emma STL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jlmiracle 7 #5 June 27, 2003 Is he really a dick or is it just the way he presents himself. Some people (I work with alot of them) come across as total asshats but really aren't that bad, its just the way they say it. If this is the case you just have to explain to people he's not soo bad. Maybe charm school of some type. It really is nice of you to want to keep this kid around. Hope you can straighten him out. JudyBe kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #6 June 27, 2003 We all need to be humbled in this sport and it sounds like this guy needs to be placed at the top of the list. Talk to him. If he chooses not to listen, then you did your part and the rest will sort itself out. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prepheckt 0 #7 June 27, 2003 How about some good old fashioned "Wall to wall couseling"? "Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet." -9 toes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pd190 0 #8 June 27, 2003 Thanks for the help so far..... The stern talking to have already been accomplished by everyone who has already given up on him. (Is this a sign that I shouldn't waste my time??) As far as his attitude, I guess it's just the way he presents himself and his general interaction with people in general, (conversion is definately not his strong point, nor is respect for anyone other than a few) not only skydivers. I really don't want to publish examples. Once agian, "As the prop turns" crap, but an issue non the less. I'll give it a shot at coaching him with skydiving, but can I change his character?? we shall soon see. Any thoughts or ideas??? I guess the endstate of what I'm trying to do is to get this young man to become a more skilled skydiver and become more of a man than a teenager at 22. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genn 0 #9 June 27, 2003 How does he interact with you? Edit: If he was kind to me then I would keep him around and wouldn't care what the rest thought. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickDraw 0 #10 June 27, 2003 Personaly, i think there is enough of a "Sparing the rod", call me an old liberal if you want, but a good birching is what he needs. -- Hope you don't die. -- I'm fucking winning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AriWeil 0 #11 June 27, 2003 How about pointing out to him how he comes across? Pick someone at the DZ or some public figure and say, "See that jackass? THAT is how YOU come across!" Let him know he looks/sounds/acts like an idiot in ways he can observe and it might embarass him enough to make him think before he opens his mouth. If that doesn't work, I've seen negative feedback from the right females work wonders on peoples' personalities. ;-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,558 #12 June 27, 2003 If he wants to work video, I'd have whoever is in charge of that give you some criteria he's not currently meeting, and make it clear that he has to already be meeting them before he can shoot video. If he's not interested in being liked, then giving him hints on that won't help. All you can do is try to figure out what motivates him, and figure out a carrot he can work toward. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #13 June 27, 2003 QuoteHow about some good old fashioned "Wall to wall couseling"? hmmm i need to find my copy of that FM..its a very entertaining read..____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casie 0 #14 June 27, 2003 Well, there's already been some obvious attempts to straighten him out sotospeak It's awesome you want to give him another try Go for it! The worst that could happen is he leaves. Try & see if he wants to set himself a goal, by doing video. Once he meets the standards, then maybe he'll have the opportunity to video. Good Luck!~Porn Kitty WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TequilaGirl 0 #15 June 27, 2003 Go sleep with his g/f - that should shut him up for awhile.....hehehe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #16 June 27, 2003 QuoteHe has already been talked to by the senior instructors, S&TA, and the DZO. Is there any point to me taking him under my wing and trying to coach him to be better and change his character, or am I wasting my time? No offense, but if the guy doesn't get a hint after being talked to by the DZO....what exactly would you do that would be any different? Instead of "blacklisting" why not suggest a suspension for a period of time? That sends a clear message that time for talk has run thin. Just an idea from the jagged edge... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FliegendeWolf 0 #17 June 27, 2003 Quotebut can I change his character?? In a word, no.A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pd190 0 #18 June 27, 2003 G -yep, that's the exact question that I have been asking myself for four days now. "How in the world am I going to get this kid to listen to me, if he won't listen to the senior instructors and the DZO?" That's why i turned to another instructor I know and DZ.com for help. I'm hoping that working with him in a more "one on one" environment might limit his distractions, help him to understand the processes of working with other people, and maybe give him some useful information about what I've learned. I should have my first "session" with him this weekend, so I'll post updates. The problem with the suspension thing is that he just got off of a suspension. Not really a suspension, he just took some time off for other matters. I guess we'll see what happens this weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #19 June 27, 2003 Just don't pass too many resolutions... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FliegendeWolf 0 #20 June 27, 2003 QuoteHave you met the guy that no one likes?? I think he's posting in the sodomy thread.A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tb62871 0 #22 June 27, 2003 He wants to learn video. Start by videoing him on the ground being his usual idiot self. Show it to him and see if he thinks that his attitude will work in making a good first jump tandem video, or does he now think he needs an attitude adjustment. --TB Welcome my friends to the show that never ends. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldnewbie 0 #23 June 28, 2003 For whatever reason, you have kinda takin a liking to this kid!! Since you feel this way about him, if you don't try to help him, someday YOU will probably regret not trying to help I teach school, and its shocking sometimes how some of these kids act. Many times i will take a liking to a kid that is totally off the wall, and when you find out his background, its a wonder that he turned out as good as he did. Sometimes you can help a person like this by showing/explaining how one should act. You might also want to throw in that he IS going to get kicked off of the dropzone if he doesn't straighten up. Some people have never been taught how to act/talk/behave etc., etc., and maybe you will be the first one who can teach him how he should act!! Then again, maybe you won't, but at least you tried! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites outofit 0 #24 June 28, 2003 one word: prozac! It is better to be dead and cool than alive and uncool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mjosparky 4 #25 June 28, 2003 QuoteHe wants to learn video. Start by videoing him on the ground being his usual idiot self. Show it to him and see if he thinks that his attitude will work in making a good first jump tandem video, or does he now think he needs an attitude adjustment. This sounds like it just might be the thing that has a chance with your pet clown. I wish you luck and its cool that you are willing to try. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
outofit 0 #24 June 28, 2003 one word: prozac! It is better to be dead and cool than alive and uncool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #25 June 28, 2003 QuoteHe wants to learn video. Start by videoing him on the ground being his usual idiot self. Show it to him and see if he thinks that his attitude will work in making a good first jump tandem video, or does he now think he needs an attitude adjustment. This sounds like it just might be the thing that has a chance with your pet clown. I wish you luck and its cool that you are willing to try. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
