I would just like to second brasten's comment... Rands in Response continually provides me with entertainment and insight, be it for Texas Hold'em or the work environent in the IT field - two topics normally lacking in intelligent commentary.

But back to the subject: My last manager was a die-hard mechanic. Over the last year (i turn 22 next month heheh) I've found myself to be a stereotypical organic. Looking back, I can now see how I completely misunderstood and under-estimated that previous manager. I always wondered why he was too afraid to simply PUT DOWN THE CLIPBOARD AND START BRAINSTORMING! Now I feel kinda bad about those thoughts.

I've got a big job interview coming up tomorrow, so thanks rands for this! It really clears things up for me, both in how to deal with others and where I should try to fit in!