When you have to threaten someone on your team, you've reached rock-bottom as a manager; all you're really accomplishing is convincing your team to leave for greener pastures.

You know how Mao said power flows from the barrel of a gun? In the office, power flows from the threat of job loss. It's the threat implicit in every executive decision.

they've already left in a sense, if you've got responsibility but not authority.

I would be convinced, if I was leads boss, to consider firing him. If you can only run a team by steam rolling people, then I can hire much cheaper people to steam roll.

i would be convinced, if i was the lead's boss' boss, to consider firing him. if they refuse to support those upon whom they place responsibility, it's unlikely you can trust and rely on their support of you.