Embedded Files
If you want to know how to understand what I do and work with me, you need to understand one of FIRST Robotics Competition's core values. The concept of "Gracious Professionalism" was developed by MIT professor Woody Flowers. It is a way of behaving that promotes the greatest possible success for everyone involved. It starts with just being professional (student, teacher, mentor, engineers, etc.) which I summarize as been responsible for getting your own work done on time and at the highest quality possible. Then you add in graciousness, which can be explained as generously sharing of your time, knowledge, and skills by welcoming the input others and being willing to help however needed. In practice this looks like you doing your own thing, getting your work done, but when someone asked for help you happily set your work aside a moment to give them a hand. It could also be that you come to a point in your work where you need help, so you turn to those around you and ask a question. If you just sit there quietly, not letting your teammates know you have a problem, struggling and not making progress on your task your not helping yourself or the team to succeed. No matter how big, strong, smart, fast, or skilled you are, eventually there will be something you will need help with. If you practice gracious professionalism from the beginning, it will so much easier to ask for help when you needed it, and the response to you request will be met with much more graciousness.
Page updated
Report abuse