[poof131]

Agree with your first point, but somewhat disagree with the inspiration quote. After a decade in the military and seeing some great leaders in fighter aviation and special forces, competency and empathy are the critical traits, not false bravado.

Is your leader good at their job? Do they see the reality of the situation at hand? Will they make decisions and take actions that are required by the mission but also in your best interests too?

As a leader (or pilot/operator) you don’t want to dwell on all the little things that could go wrong or linger on the fact you could die on your mission, but you don’t want to ignore the reality of the challenges you will face.

No one believes in the person who puts their head in the sand. A leader shouldn’t share all the burdens they cary, that’s part of their job, but they also shouldn’t delude themselves into thinking a smile and confident attitude will cary the day.

Think about your team. Be honest with your people. Be as good as you can. Do your best at the task at hand. And then try to smile at whatever comes and say ‘fuck it’. Perhaps the quote is trying to describe that last part, but too many leaders forget the competency and empathy parts, the parts that enable the whole team to say ‘fuck it’ and run into the breach.