[flatline]

Wow, that sounds like a terrible work environment. I much prefer a self-regulating team. It is much less stressful in my opinion to be called out on problems quickly, and by your peers, than to have to have a "talk" with your manager, perhaps weeks or months after there was a problem that you could easily have fixed. I've seen more dysfunctional teams from this type of attitude than I've seen functional ones. If a team member is having a problem, they often know it, but don't know why they are rubbing everyone wrong and then they get worse from stress and trying to fix the wrong things. By the time the manager steps in, it is often too late, and a problem that should have been nipped in the bud has spiralled out of control.

[Aylw]

I think saying 'a terrible work environment' is a bit of a stretch. The important part of criticism is that it's taken constructively - often it's best done between peers, but sometimes it's best done with (good) managers.

I think a key issue is that coworkers can be awesome workers, but HORRIBLE at critique. It's a skill that people aren't always good at. I know I could be better. A good manager will be great at this, and it's often best to let the best person at this do the talking. Managers can also be great as go betweens, and councillors for both sides, so that hatchets don't get buried directly into coworker skulls.

That said, the best teams manage themselves.