[mmatants]

I really like the philosophy you describe. It pains me to see folks disenfranchised from the concept of real teamwork. Isn't the whole point to be working with each other? Even if the person is signing my paycheque, they are still another human tackling the same general problem as I am.

Easier said than done, because of course there are bad managers out there. But even in difficult situations it can sometimes help to try "manage up" - again, the value-building and the mission is bigger than any one person.