[jhayward]

My personal model for how to handle the relationship of tech manager vs lead developer (actually all developers) is that the manager should definitely supervise and understand the decisions made. If she has concerns about them, be straightforward with the team, saying "I like x,y,z about your plan but I am concerned about whether we are getting in trouble on A or B". Let the team work out the problem and respond.

If the manager ever feels they simply must over-rule a team lead, it is probably better to replace the lead than to impose a dictat as it indicates a problem working with that person.

When you start to hear the team discussing options and they raise all the concerns that you would have yourself without you saying anything you know they've heard you and are modeling your thinking. That puts the team miles ahead.