> Obviously things aren't entirely your fault all the time
I prefer using the word 'control' over fault, because fault has so many negative connotations. Things are not entirely in your control all the time, but many times they are. How a person responds to situation is always in their control. The classic one which you refer to is blaming others when a failure occurs - communication or otherwise. And yes, it is completely empowering and changes how one acts as a leader or team member.
Excellent point. I completely agree. I'll have to keep that in mind in the future.
[0] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/27/us/navy-seals-edward-gall...
Also, AFAIK, Jocko have never addressed the issue you linked. It might be because he simply doesn't know enough to comment. He left the military in 2010 and this incident happened in 2017. Do you have anything to attach him or EO directly to it?
You should probably try to give credit for the idea where credit is due.
By the way, this is an important part of the growth of junior engineers into senior engineers. I've noticed junior engineers tend to identify obstacles as blockers. When asked about progress or estimates, they just talk about the blockers. Completely out of their control. Senior engineers find workarounds, solutions, alternatives.
Love your comment on junior vs. senior engineers. Very insightful!