In an environment like that you'll be respected a lot more as a consultant and paid advisor, even if you provide generic and mediocre advice, than as an employe

In an environment like that you'll be respected a lot more as a consultant and paid advisor, even if you provide generic and mediocre advice, than as an employee providing high quality expertise. Toxic management loves overpaid external consultants and advisors more than their own, much lesser paid internal staff.