Another practice is that in most professions, leaders are also very capable in their own areas. Think about a law firm, a hospital, an accounting firm, a construction company.
But often in programming you have managers that are ignorant, outdated and sometimes even complete idiots. Why do we put up with that? Why do accept that our managers are not more capable than we are?
IC's in all professions think their managers are idiots. I've heard it from lawyers, police officers, teachers, and sales people.
I think its just human nature that your boss (or management in general) is out of touch and an idiot. It's why politicians are clueless -- until you get elected and then you suddenly are viewed as clueless too.
But often in programming you have managers that are ignorant, outdated and sometimes even complete idiots. Why do we put up with that? Why do accept that our managers are not more capable than we are?