Some mid to mid/upper level managers either put their career and their department first, rather than proactively seeking to build interdependent teams; or they are risk-averse for fear of failing and being blamed for failure. (This is NOT the high level management perspective/expectation, they are very clear and realistic about taking risks for break-through, market leading products.
"Straight Talk" is misunderstood, to put it mildly. Talking like it is, is not appreciated by most, they take it too personal.
Technical rigor is expected by most in technical community, practiced by maybe 2/3s, but insisting on raising the bar is running into personal, defensive, back-stabbing issues.
Presentations and reviews are so painstakingly prepared, it's a huge part of everybody's time, needlessly if the intent is to learn status, current issues etc. in a "straight talk" way. Here the organization is still muddled in a 90's and early 2000's time capsule; not enough trust and empowerment of the people doing the actual work.
The values and culture we aim to have, that is taught and written in paper and minds is inspiring and impeccable. What is found in various departments is unfortunately cynicism and pessimism, but dramatically concealed or unrecognized (at least not tackled) by mid-level management.
