How working as a cook helped me be a better developer

I worked in restaurants on and off for the better part of seven years, five of those cooking. I agree with a lot of what is stated in this article, a few thoughts on my own experience:

1) Nobody is too good to do the dirty work - everybody washes dishes and mops floors.

2) I definitely learned how to be efficient by eliminating unnecessary task switches from some processes, and running 6 or 8 separate processes at the same time.

3) Memory is hugely important for a working line cook. You have to know what you are cooking now (which could be up to 10 or 15 different entrees, depending - I'm sure some do more), what you are cooking next, and where other cooks might need help - plating, making sure sides are stocked, etc.

4) Kitchens can be another true meritocracy. Nobody cares if you dress or talk funny, but if you can't get things done you won't find many friends.

I could go on all day. :)