I know its getting a little off topic but regarding the last few posts: Whilst many Managers are very ineffective there are those that are not.It wouldn't be fair to tar all with the same brush. One of my bug bears is when Managers make decisions (Sometimes poor ones) without involving staff. Another very fustrating issue is not listening to or implementing common sense suggestions, improvements etc. A favourite quote banded about by Managers is "Its historical" when referring to why things are done in a certain (usually inefficient)way. A good Manager engages staff, communicates with them, takes their concerns forward, acts on their suggestions (if they are plausible), deligates responsibility and automony and above all supports them. In return for this style of management, staff tend to show more respect, less conflict and enjoy a better level of morale towards their management. I think some Managers lose site of these qualities and induce conflict and disrespect unnecessarily. There are thankfully some good managers (in my opinion) just as there are good and bad technicians (IMO)
