Why am I so anal?

[Mark A Ouellette]

My wife, family, colleagues, and others sometimes see me transform into a brick wall of strict adherence to safety, rules, and above all, logic. Why, oh why they wonder and sometimes ask, "Mark, why are you so anal?"

Simple answer, here is the reason,

This is the Commandant of the Marine Corps General Smith explaining something to a crowd of Marines;

5.4K reactions · 227 comments | Discipline is the silent architect of success. The Marine Corps 1/8-inch rule isn’t about fabric; it’s about forging a mindset. Precision in the smallest details builds the foundation for decisive action when stakes ar

Discipline is the silent architect of success. The Marine Corps 1/8-inch rule isn’t about fabric; it’s about forging a mindset. Precision in the smallest details builds the foundation for decisive...

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The sound control must be turned on. Click on the speaker icon in the top right corner after the short video opens.

For those who do not have good Internet bandwidth, General Smith explains,
“It is the rigid, ruthless adherence to discipline, and taking care of our people…”

This is the written quote from General Smith;
"Discipline is the silent architect of success. The Marine Corps 1/8-inch rule isn’t about fabric; it’s about forging a mindset. Precision in the smallest details builds the foundation for decisive action when stakes are highest. In business, in life, rigorous standards create unstoppable momentum. 272° means 272°, because in the moments that define your future, hesitation costs everything."

It is comforting to know that after almost 50 years, my Corps hasn't changed!

 

[Franco]

Mark,
I suffer the same criticism and completely understand. My standard response is "Why are you not?"

 

[dogcat1]

Never been a military man or served in any capacity.
Your question really asks - "Why do I believe things should be done perfectly?"
Why? Because it matters to you and those that depend on you. It is important and sometimes life saving.
I prefer to have an "anal" surgeon to one that is not.
I prefer to have an "anal" pilot flying my American Airlines plane.
I prefer to have an "anal" mechanic working on my daughters brakes.

It is a mindset. Many do not have it. Glad you do!

 

[Franco]

Never been a military man or served in any capacity.
Your question really asks - "Why do I believe things should be done perfectly?"
Why? Because it matters to you and those that depend on you. It is important and sometimes life saving.
I prefer to have an "anal" surgeon to one that is not.
I prefer to have an "anal" pilot flying my American Airlines plane.
I prefer to have an "anal" mechanic working on my daughters brakes.

It is a mindset. Many do not have it. Glad you do!

dogcat1 - I may have been that "anal" American Airlines pilot.

 

[Datchew]

Imagine after the military if you then go on to be a mechanical engineer and go into upper leadership.

You are not alone Mark.

However I have adopted the term meticulous instead of anal as I've grown a little gray on the edges.
It's purely a slight of hand but people seem to view it as a positive and it commands a bit of gravitas and even mystique.