Yup, Management IS of utmost importance to a working company. What most managers, companies and universities don't get though is that management isn't really about controlling and reviewing work, but about enabling people and giving them a vision. That's only possible in an atmosphere of humility, gratitude and a total refusal to play the blame game though. It's where companies don't get "managers" from Ivy League but give responsibilities to the best natural leaders and coaches from the team, so they've got their full respect. It's rare to get to this state, but if you've got a company that really gets "management", try to stay. You don't have to work at Trademob (shameless self-plug), there are a lot of meritoctratic startups like this out there - but this spirit usually fades with size. I'm still trying to understand why... All in all, look at these signs: - Bosses have no different equipment or attitude than you do - Your Interview is done by the most senior personnel available and not some clueless HR guy - People don't take themselves too serious but their competitors should ;-) - high freedom, high responsibility atmosphere - You get responsibility for outcomes, not for implementation details.

As for me, I'm still trying to find out how to be a better team leader every day - I'll tell you how when I find out ;-)