During my years there, especially in the last few, management had become ugly and bullying in their expectations from us. It was to the point of being absurd, handing off endless reams of tasks no team could finish on time, let alone a single person. Here are two responses I found most helpful when countering this madness:
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"I'm doing the best I can with what I have. If you want this done faster and better, please give me more resources."
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"Oh, ___ should have been done by now? Please: show me how that's possible with what I have. You're the leader. Lead by example. If you can demonstrate to me this is all possible, I will from now on do things exactly the way you educated me to."
Non challenging management speak, it puts the onus right back on them. They hated when I pulled it, but really could do nothing but stomp off in impotent disgust....to find an easier target for their bullying.