So what does GP mean to you?

[LauraN]

Originally Posted by SilenceNoMore

To me it is nothing more than a punchline people use to win awards and to look good in the eyes of other teams.

I disagree.

Everyone is selfish. It's human nature. Every time you do something for yourself, you are being selfish. Every time you do something for someone else, you are being selfish, because being kind to others makes you feel good about yourself. That's why people make sacrifices. They may be missing out on something (be it money, fun activities, comfort), but they get a feeling of satisfaction for having helped others.

So basically, yeah, you're right- but you're also as guilty of it as anyone else. Maybe teams do things that are graciously professional just to look good- but chances are they also feel good about themselves for having helped others. Maybe it's cheap. But so is any other form of sacrifice or giving. True, it's selfish, but there's nothing that can be done about it. And there's nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself- that's a part of FIRST as well.

Besides, FIRST gives out awards based on GP. The underlying requirement for a Chairman's Award Winner is a team that is graciously professional. FIRST encourages us to be GP because of that whole vision of Dean's that has come up once or twice. Maybe it's idealistic, but regardless of our motives, we're still helping others, aren't we? So yes teams use it to get awards- but that's the point of the award in the first place!