One of my favorite GP threads out there is
this one. Jane is right, though: you've brought up an interesting and less-discussed topic regarding GP outside of FIRST. In fact, the first and last sections of the definition apply readily--and I suspect, deliberately--to just that.
"...It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community...In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity."
The center paragraph of the definition expounds on more FIRST/sports-centered examples. If Mr. Flowers doesn't object, I'd like to expound with my own examples. To me, Gracious Professionalism represents unbridled cooperation in achieving collective excellence. It's helped me realize that helping others isn't a product of any solely FIRST alliance system*, it's
a goal in and of itself. Professionally, it's focused me on doing the best job possible. More importantly, though, it's about helping others work the best as well--not to the best of their ability, not even to the best of yours, but to the best you can achieve together. In the Air Force, we call this "Service Before Self". To me, it's the same thing, albeit manifested differently. It's about putting the mission, the group, the people, first--and putting everything you've got into their success. I've seen this on occasion outside of FIRST and the USAF, but I'd be interested in hearing others' stories.
*In fact, I'm pretty sure it predates alliances all together, though that was before my time.
EDIT: it's seems to be a day for CD karma...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Alan Anderson
Gracious Professionalism is a compass, not a set of calipers. It should be used to guide what you do rather than to measure it.
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Maybe in addition to searching threads on GP, you could take a look at
the spotlight quotes on it.