I have a
Dan Green story from the 2008 IRI Talent Show that I've been thinking about sharing. It's a quiet one, not a big loud brassy one, but it is very telling.
The Talent Show judges have to figure out how to get through or stop whatever they are involved in, grab some food, scarf it down, and head to the auditorium to be ready for the Talent Show. In the times that I've participated, everyone has been where they were supposed to be, ready to say hello to the teams when introduced.
Last year, I found my way into the auditorium (it is always an adventure for me) and looked up on the stage to see Dan sitting at the judges' table eating his dinner. I laughed and he shrugged and said, "Andy said to go to the auditorium so here I am," and kept eating.
It was cool in the auditorium and darkish and quiet, the teams hadn't entered to grab seats yet, and Dan had a table to eat from - but he probably didn't think about that. He just stopped what he was planning on doing (obviously preparing to eat dinner) and headed to the auditorium with his plate of food.
I thought that was cool in that Dan is one of our terrific leaders in FRC - one of our 'rock stars' from a powerhouse team that he has helped become a powerhouse team, yet he followed Andy's directions simply, quietly, and with a humility that's hard to describe - but you know it when you see it.
It has to do with respect.
--
Looking forward to '09