What is gracious professionalism really?

[KenWittlief]

Grace is the ability to continue to function when something has gone wrong, or you think something has gone wrong. Seatbelts/airbags are an example of a gracefull car design. driving into a tree is an error or mistake. Being able to walk away from the smoldering hunk of metal is grace. You continue to function!

so grace has alot to do with mistakes, errors, problems, or things YOU percieve to be not-right.

Professionalism is centered on understanding that the other person has earned the right to the position they have, they know what they are doing, they have a job to do, and you have a job to do (not the same job).

Engineering is not about being perfect, or getting it right the first time. Every engineering design cycle has a test and debug phase.

Couple these together and you get the cushion that allows FIRST to exist. If someone else is making a mistake, or you think they are, dont get angry or come apart at the seams to where you cease to function! And dont try to do everyone elses job for them.

Mistakes will be made. Collisions will happen on every possible level. Its what you do when problems happen - thats where we all need the cushion.

Dont let it bring your team, your particapation, or FIRST itself to an end!

Keep in mind at all times that the other person is doing their best - doing the most they can with what they have.

Know that everyone involved with FIRST is there because they believe in its mission.

Know and expect that everyone else will be gracious professionals too!