[localghost3000]

You’re basically validating my original point if I am reading your comment correctly. You absolutely cannot avoid conflict but there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. Simple, direct feedback that speaks to behaviors not character is very important.

To your point about being in the trenches I think maybe you’re extrapolating too much from that. Any manager who is any good is of course right there alongside their team in said trenches.