Honestly, that's probably generally true in that most people think most other people are dumb. The client is probably thinking the PM is dumb too. I've been in client shoes, where I'm asking for a project a certain way, know more about the subject matter, the intricate buiness needs, the perceptions of other stakeholders, etc, and the individual contributor continues to try to propose doing it in ways that are not what I am asking for. I appreciate the feedback, but I'm paying for it, it's my risk, let me do it my way. As soon as it becomes apparent that the contributor is emotionally connected to NOT doing things a certain way, and I have even a bit of worry that they are going to try to subconciously "prove me wrong" by ensuring the project fails, they are out. Don't get me wrong, I want to be challenged if people think they have a better way of doing it, and often incorporate this feedback. But if I don't think that there way of doing it is better and if I bear the responsibility for the outcome, I need people to understand that I value their feedback, but need them to follow my instructions. As always, it's a nuanced things. I don't need "yes" men that will say yes to everything, even things they know they can't deliver. On the other hand, I don't need negative people who think difficult things are impossible. What I really want is positive people who will give it their all regardless, who will speak up if they think there is a better way to do something, but will not take offense if their objection is overruled and we proceed in a different objection. Respect of the chain of command.