GRACIOUS
PROFESSIONALISM
from www.usfirst.org
Dr. Woodie Flowers,
FIRST National Advisor
and Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "Gracious
Professionalism."
Gracious Professionalism
is part of the ethos of
FIRST. It's a way of doing
things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of
others, and respects individuals and the
community.
With Gracious
Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not
separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like
crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the
process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping
tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge,
competition, and empathy are comfortably
blended.
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.
