I may be just a lowly FO at a regional, but in 2.5 years in the right seat I've come to a few conclusions about CAs, how to deal with them and the type of CA I want to be when upgrade comes my way.

There are really two kinds of captains: there's the dbag-super-pilot "my-way-is-the-right-way" captain and then there's the "as long as we're standard, safe, legal and efficient then technique is at your discretion". Personally, I find that captains of the dbag-super-pilot type tend to shut down CRM with their overbearing attitudes. In my own experience, it's gotten so bad with one or two captains who were so disinterested in what I had to say or the techniques I liked to use to fly the airplane that I have told them straight up "look, I get paid the same whether I am talking on the radio or wiggling the yoke. If you're that unhappy with how I fly the airplane, why don't you take all the legs." I don't mind discussing technique or looking at different ways of doing things but when you decide to force YOUR way on me (when my methods are just as sound, safe and legal), that starts to chap my ass. This is the kind of captain that I would not wish on any FO.

On the other hand, the more laid back "technique at your discretion" types tend to foster more effective communication and input from all crew members and really bring out the best from everybody. That's the kind of captain I really enjoy working for and am more inclined to "go the extra mile" rather than just doing the required minimum. Having spent several years in a management position, I found that the best way to get results from people was to make your expectations known and then step back to supervise and support your people as needed rather than hounding them about how to do it.

I think it really comes down to respect. I have a hard time respecting the guy who doesn't show me respect. We don't have to be best friends but you give me some leeway to do my job and show me some respect and I guarantee that we will do just fine.

Sorry for the length...just the ramblings of a lowly FO who just finished a trip with a dbag-super-pilot

EDIT: Don't get me wrong; No matter what kind of captain you are, if I think you're wrong or you're about to get us in trouble, I can promise you that I will speak up.