I agree it's tougher to argue things the board doesn't like to hear. By "macho" I just meant that they seem to pride themselves on taking decisions which don't

I agree it's tougher to argue things the board doesn't like to hear. By "macho" I just meant that they seem to pride themselves on taking decisions which don't make them popular with people under them. Good managers can make unpopular decisions and retain the support of staff under them. I've seen people take pay cuts temporarily, work longer hours, all kinds of extra that comes with good will. Ultimately it's about respect. Good managers have it. Bad managers seem to revel in not having it.