FIRST

Gracious Professionalism

Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus 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.

Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It is 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 vigorously, 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.

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."

Coopertition

Coopertition produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition is when kindness and respect is used in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even when they are competing. Coopertition includes learning from teammates and teaching teammates. It also involves learning from mentors, and it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means always competing, but also helping and enabling others when you can.