I can't possibly stress the importance of being detail oriented. On complex construction projects or even basic programs it's beyond important that someone has a firm grasp of the smallest of details. It's usually these tiny details that make or break your project. It boggles the mind the lack of importance that goes into wrapping your head around the minor details and taking ownership of your actions, or lack thereof. To this day people still just go to work and wait for someone to tell them what they should do next. They are just another cog in a wheel. Imagine if your heart surgeon thought that way. Everyone should take owner ship of their work and have pride in their accomplishments. That's what separates workers from Linchpins. FYI, (linch-pin, noun. a person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization.) We need more Linchpins, or at least people who can make lists.
The strengths of a detail-oriented person are very clear - most of them are professional advantages, it's obvious that we would not live in a world with such a precise technology if people wouldn't be perfectionist about what they are doing, it sure has taken us human kind to another level.