> This sounds ideal, but I wonder what their secret is to pulling it off in practice.

Their lives depend on it? When a group works in extreme environments (of any kind) cohesion, order and unity are likely something that could be the difference between success and failure. (my assumptions based on armchair logic and some life experience)

Also, I have no problems asking people's opinion when I am leading, but I don't have to act on it. But I really appreciate "boots on the ground" opinions, because they always have a different perspective than those leading from a distance.