I don't know of another organization that, on balance, comes across as having a deeper well of general competence and organizational smarts than the marines (/n

I don't know of another organization that, on balance, comes across as having a deeper well of general competence and organizational smarts than the marines (/not a marine). How much of marine philosophy and organizational style makes it into your consulting work? I had a similar experience at one point, though in different circumstances and a different organization. Hardscrabble, self-bootstrapped types tend to try and solve everything on their own b/c that's just how they've done. It's good to have that backbone but can be sabotaging if it's your only strategy; the frame of mind it puts you in is intrinsically adversarial and limiting -- how do I do X for Y despite Z? -- instead of collaborative -- Y wants me to do X but there's Z...can Y and I figure something out? People from more privileged backgrounds generally are more comfortable taking the latter approach; the behavior can be learned, but once you do you realize how much ground you needless lost, which is sobering. Bravo for the excellent anecdote.