[JesseK]

I'd estimate that 90% of what I do is not gracious at all, but rather more awkward than anything. Got a puppy in June ... I had an idea but really didn't understand what I was getting into, and still haven't had a full night's sleep since I got him. Started a new project in January ... it's been one tumble after another at work and it's a miracle I've even solved a single problem. I'm starting my Master's degree in 2 weeks, yet have no clue how I'm going to manage it all. So I've been many things this year, but gracious hasn't been at the forefront. It's been downright awkward, hard, and confusing at points. Professionalism occurs only when necessary (I'm a pretty mellow guy...).

It is the other 10% of the time that things truly shine, and is when I've learned to embrace the one quote I'll never forget: "You cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that created it". In the real world it seems that companies who forget that eventually go under; go figure they also usually lack any sort of public grace or professionalism. Just stay out of the way so you don't get dragged down too.