That most managers are average and of average intelligence. That they succeed in their jobs by suppressing change and resisting difference of opinions.

We can't make sure this doesn't happen. It's a manager's job to manage human resources and ensure productivity. Once this becomes a numbers game, all cards are on the table.

I would even say that this isn't even the manager's fault, but the bottom line. Risk is something that sounds scary to people who want a consistent paycheck.

It has nothing to do about Steve Jobs being amazing or whatever, and everything to do about corporate culture as far as him getting fired would be concerned.