[organsnyder]

That might lead to the best technical outcome (if the director is actually right!). But the message it sends to subordinates is incredibly damaging. If a leader really needs to pull rank because they can't explain why a different approach is worthwhile, either they're not a good communicator, and/or their subordinates are incompetent. And this discussion should only be occurring for major, irreversible decisions in the first place.

[weej]

Agreed. A leader needs to be capable of indirectly & positively influencing the team's architecture and overall technical outcome while not doing so explicitly (manage down, up and out). The team needs to drive and come to their own conclusions, but a true leader can positively impact the vision and strategic execution.