> I’ve come to appreciate that this attitude may be necessary… that companies (with headcounts in the 50-500 range at least) cannot afford to have some of their people pulling in a different direction than their roadmap. And that people who will do that must be excised.
There's a big difference between differing opinions and outright insubordination though, and one should not mistake one for the other.
IMHO, a good leader should encourage his underlings to express their opinions and giving him feedback and advice, but when the boss has made a decision then that decision should be followed.
A leader who does not allow the former is a weak leader.
But it is difficult sometimes, because being able to give and take criticism in a constructive way is a skill that not everyone has, but it can be learned.
There's a big difference between differing opinions and outright insubordination though, and one should not mistake one for the other.
IMHO, a good leader should encourage his underlings to express their opinions and giving him feedback and advice, but when the boss has made a decision then that decision should be followed. A leader who does not allow the former is a weak leader.
But it is difficult sometimes, because being able to give and take criticism in a constructive way is a skill that not everyone has, but it can be learned.