Let's Put the Professionalism back in Gracious Professionalism

[Jim E]

I understand Kathy's concerns. Whether to agree or disagree with her statements, is another issue. The criticisms she brings are vague and generalized as Jane has pointed out. This 'sounds like' venting frustration. CD provides a good forum for that, and venting is good in this sense, because of the neutrality in Kathy's statements.

FIRST is an organization with goals and objectives that probably extend beyond my comprehension. Some may even incorrectly say it is cult-like.

As with any organization, church, religion, or club, there may be things you have an issue with. The best way to find answers is to approach the offending party direct.

My past and present employers have always implemented an open-door policy. If your supervisor cannot answer your grievance, then you are encouraged to take it to the next level of management. This type of policy is not only professional, but gracious in that everything is kept confidential until the facts are known. Businesses take this very serious. FIRST is also a business.

I'm rambling now, but if you have an issue with the game rules, ship deadlines, lack of compassion for missed work periods because of snow days, missed deadlines for entries, the color of the FIRST emblem, etc,etc,etc,...take it to the next level.

CD forum is meant to be a tool to help students and mentors learn about robotics and discuss the FIRST games in an independent forum.

Hopefully nobody takes offense to my comments. But with the CD Forum being as large as it is, the chances are pretty good someone will disagree....(which is good)

EDIT: For team conflicts bordering on Sexual harassment, color, creed, gender or religious preference, there are LAWS against this. File a police report and also contact your regional FIRST director to file a complaint if necessary. They are listed on www.usfirst.org