Discussion on:

Three ways project managers give in to threats

"fear of personal, financial, or political harm" -- realize that even in today's poor economy, it is not the end of the world if you lose your current job. Aggravating yes, but you shouldn't become instantly homeless. If a threat is personal, take it straight to your HR department and make them understand that there can be repercussions. If it is financial, get your ducks in a row. Live below your means, pay down debt and accumulate some savings. Eventually those unveiled job threats won't work very well. If it is political, start finding your new job because once you're marked (at most companies) you're already dead meat. None of this can happen overnight, but if you work on it you will be much better off -- and sooner then you might expect.

"misreport data" -- do your very best to avoid this. Those people you think you're protecting will not return the favor, and once your credibility is tarnished you're dead meat again. Tell managers and customers the truth despite what they want to hear. Losing some face as a project manager is better than the humility of being slaughtered when the **** hits the fan. And document everything you report, including what was said by whom and when. It may not save your job but it casts doubt on your accusers.
"too much reporting data" and "Hiding issues" -- be honest with the facts that count. Burying problems within clutter is just as bad as leaving it out or lying about it. You're a professional adult. Be responsible.

"all information flow up to us first, for vetting and perception management" -- agreed, this is standard project manager behavior that is hard to self discipline. Have group status meetings (at least with key players on issues) and ask each member to present and discuss his part. You?ll get better teamwork and less result coloring because you will document the results and use that document as part of your presentation to other managers and customers. If you have time, pass your document by your team to make sure it does represent what they said -- but don't let them waffle or change stances. That's an indication of trouble and time for another reckoning.

It's hard to "talk much about the importance of feelings in business or how vital a role our emotions play in our decision making processes" but it is reasonable to keep these goals in sight: ethics, candor, professionalism, and positive working environment. Lead by example and you should get similar treatment from the reasonable folks. Distance yourself from the unreasonable folks as best you can, otherwise they will rub off on you.