To a point. I have found that subordinates always have to feel that they have a "little secret edge" over their managers.

In my experience, this is both harmless and necessary. If I, as a manager, can't handle that, then I'm kinda screwed.

But it is also highly dependent on the types of people we manage.

Source: Manager for over 25 years, of a bunch of folks much smarter and more experienced than me.