It is conventional wisdom that one shouldn't outright criticize one's current or prior management when interviewing for a new job, no matter how incompetent it was. And surely there is diplomatic language that could get your message across without actually saying that the emperor has no clothes. It seems like this would be more complicated on b-school essays. If you've gone through turbulent reforms (and many have during the recession) and truly learned how not to approach leadership and organizational and technological reforms from your own management, to what extent should you sugar-coat it without seeming like a cheeky smart-ass? Any links to actual examples would be greatly appreciated!