I stayed awake most of the night thinking about this thread, Eric.
What I decided right before I went to sleep was that I didn't want to stray too far from Dr. Flowers thoughts and words. I've looked up his definition on the FIRST website and I also read the definition of Coopertition.
What I'm thinking about right now is that Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition work together but they are not necessarily the same thing. Gracious Professionalism can lift out of the competition field and into the community, creating unlimited possibilities for global impact and awareness in how we work together and communicate with each other.
Here's the
link to the 2 definitions in the FIRST website.
I spent the night thinking about all of my wonderful experiences in FIRST that have witnessed what Gracious Professionalism is and what it is capable of. I have also witnessed many moments that have involved Coopertition. It's been a great 10 years and I'm a better person for it.
Jane
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Excellence is contagious. ~ Andy Baker, President, AndyMark, Inc. and Woodie Flowers Award 2003
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller (1880-1968)