This phrase, “strength in depth,” is a common salutation amongst a certain class (or race? or profession?) of people in the giant doorstopper I’m reading at the moment, Surface Detail by Iain M Banks.

It’s almost a throwaway mention so far (it’s a big book, and I’m still in the opening 100 pages). And yet I can’t stop thinking about the ways it’s so true.

Strength in depth can mean:

The more shared experiences you have with someone, the more you can know, like, and trust each other.

The deeper your niche — and the deeper you are in it — the stronger your position in the market. (And the more you’ll be the prize to be won).

The more time you spend in nature, the more you’ll understand and be able to navigate it.

The further your foundation, or post hole, or tent peg drives into the ground, the more likely it is to hold against time and weather.

The more honest you are with your partner, your kids, your parents, the more quickly they’ll be at your side in a crisis.

The more time you spend with your team, the more valued they’ll feel.

The more time you spend with your family, the more valued they’ll feel. Strength The more committed you are to your craft, the better you’ll be able to help people with it.

And so many more.

Strength in depth,
James