This workplace expression is defined as a situation where middle-level employees in an organization are polite and flattering to superiors but abusive to subordinates. 

Such managers are always ready to please whoever had authority over them while having very little regard for people working under them.

So what's really the problem with kissing up and kicking down? Besides the fact that it's just generally nasty unpleasant behaviour, from a management efficiency and productivity standpoint, the real problem is you're spending energy in the wrong place.

You're not spending time on improving...