I think our biggest weakness has been what I call a "Tribal Squadron" mentality. Too often, our MEC administration's have been led by military types that see the need to surround themselves with like-minded minions. Marines surrounding themselves with other Marines, etc. I don't have military experience, only civilian. In my business life, I've been mentored by fantastic executives who taught me to resist building a team of clones from the same tribe as you. It's really easy to do, and the single biggest mistake you can make.

I think the upcoming generation will have a higher percentage of civilian types, and maybe (just maybe) they won't possess as much of this tribal squadron mentality. There are certainly plenty of military guys that reject the tribal squadron mentality, but unfortunately our recent leadership has been just the opposite. I have huge hopes for this new generation.

Carl