terrible middle managers (brand managers) who throw their direct reports under the bus, afraid to say no or push back on Brand Directors who suggest a change in direction (don't even bother to attempt an explanation for a different approach even when previously aligned with the rest of the team), middle managers resort to making up performance issues even though emails and presentations exist to prove otherwise - and when an attempt at singling out 'performance issue X' fails, miraculously yet another 'performance issue Y' is inserted into the mix. The environment this foster is toxic, full of mistrust and completely lacking in respect and integrity.