But this is the Taylorist trap mentioned in the top level comment. That somehow "managers" are hired to think, and "workers" are hired to do whatever the "managers" say.
I fully expect the "workers" I supervise to be able to identify things which need work completely on their own. Many heads think much better than one. Besides, they are on the frontlines so they have a much better view of the situation than I. (As much as I try to also do technical work myself.)
I understand. To me you resolve the paradox by getting management to admit to themselves that most engineers and programmers are also managers and need some explicit authorities to decide what needs to be done or not
Right. Though I would phrase it a little differently: every role in a long-term successful organisation is a little bit leadership, a little bit skilled labour.
I fully expect the "workers" I supervise to be able to identify things which need work completely on their own. Many heads think much better than one. Besides, they are on the frontlines so they have a much better view of the situation than I. (As much as I try to also do technical work myself.)