I'm at a startup that is at an earlier stage than your two examples. Our CEO hired a VP Eng on a tight schedule and didn't give the engineering team an opportunity to interview him. I was definitely suspicious, especially given past experiences with the "professional manager" types we're all discussing here. The day I knew it was going to be fine was the day I went into the shop early, discovered that the lights were already on, and found him in the back laying out a bunch of holes to drill in an aluminum plate.

"Uhhhh what's up man?"

"The mounting plate from the contractors didn't fit right so I'm making a new one. I know you guys have electronics to mount and test today and don't want you to be blocked"

"...need a hand?"

That's correct. They do nothing, but when that nothing is actually done well, it shows.

Unfortunately, this is not common.