Hi. I’m that consultant. Two effects combine to create this reality: 1) Ass-covering. If Important Manager makes a Big Decision based on his own wits, they ar

Hi. I’m that consultant. Two effects combine to create this reality: 1) Ass-covering. If Important Manager makes a Big Decision based on his own wits, they are risking their own judgement being revealed as less than what is expected from their position. If they can point at a “reputable” outside party, then they can claim that “even expert advice was unable to see this coming, so shouldn’t be expected to either.” They can’t get this kind of protection by listening to subordinates because even if they’re right, they have no reputation. 2) Hunter-gatherer tribe dynamics. We’re barely more than strategically shaved apes in suits, genetically speaking. The last ten thousand years of civilisation is a blip in evolutionary terms and hasn’t changed our behaviour much at all. Big important alpha male leader can’t be seen to accept advice from subordinates! That would not be “leadership” and would undermine their position in the tribe as a trusted elder. This makes all humans in such positions (but especially older men) incredibly resistant to even the most blindingly obvious advice if it comes from someone younger in the same group. External guidance is not subject to the same social constraints and is often accepted. I’ve seen both of these play out over and over, separately and in combination. It’s my job to talk to the junior underlings, collect their complaints, and then present it to their manager so they can have an acceptable source for the same advice. It’s nuts, but it is what is is, and I don’t expect it to change for 50K years or more. Evolution is slow and human nature is wired into us deep.