That's an interesting way of thinking about it. I'm not very assertive, so perhaps If I stood up to management a bit more everyone would be better for it anyway

That's an interesting way of thinking about it. I'm not very assertive, so perhaps If I stood up to management a bit more everyone would be better for it anyway. Although it's easier to stand up to your boss when it falls under your domain (technology), but when it's their domain (managing people) it's harder to be assertive. Also what happens when it just becomes a self fulfilling prophecy? Regardless, if you experience terrible management you should probably be finding another job anyway.