So what does GP mean to you?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by LauraN

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!

I think you may be hung up on using a word that sounds like it fits but really doesn't. The word "selfish" implies you are doing something simply because it benefits you at the expense of others. When you do something that makes you feel good, it is not being selfish. When you are doing something that benefits others and makes you feel good, that may well be "gracious" but not "professional". When you do something that benefits others in a professional way (i.e. an exchange of ideas with no limits) that is "gracious professionalism" and it makes you feel good because you are doing the right thing. There are hundreds of teams that exhibit and practice gracious professionalism but do not come close to achieving chairman's status. We do it (I do it) because it is the right thing to do, period. Hang whatever name you like on it and it is still the right thing to do.
As a last note, when you think about the effect your words might have on someone, before you say them, that might also be gracious and professional. Remember that some of those who are reading your replies on this site, may be visiting for the very first time. Make an impression.