Relay race v/s Sprint - mindset change!!

In the 7 years of my career - I have reported to 6 managers . While the relationship with the first three was fantastic (still continue to be in touch with them) - it was a complete disaster with the fourth and the fifth one. Determined not to make it a hat-trick, have been able to work the relationship with the current manager really well.
But when i look back and reflect on what went wrong - the first reaction is that those two were not worth it. On deeper introspection, it strikes me where I had gone wrong.
I was in a student mode - behaving as a trainee with the first three managers. Constantly voicing my concerns, but going ahead with their judgement - realising that they have been through things before. No wonder we had a great relationship - where they valued my contribution and helped me fast track my career.
This went on for 3 years, and when I was asked to report to the fourth manager - the problems started.
Recognition at work resulted in confidence that I am good at it. Coupled with ambition to grow "very" fast, it gave way to cynicism for the way the fourth manager worked. Cynicism gave way to lack of respect for authority and experience - which started affecting the relationship.
Eager to move on in life - i switched jobs. Landed with a manager who was sharp, intelligent and had lots to teach me. But he believed in micro management, did not believe in anything called HR practises (the function did not exist in that organisation) and started getting insecure with more and more no of people looking up to me. And i started making it more obvious in every gathering. It gave me a sort of kick that people think i am better than my CEO. Things started getting uncomfortable and i decided to move on - in search of that perfect job and company.
I think I have learnt from the mistakes - realised that managers are human too - they will make mistakes, they will be insecure - but at the end of the day they will have so much to add to you . It is up to you to make it a relay where you help each other win - or treat it like a sprint where you think you are competing with them.
Both my managers (fourth and fifth) still keep me alive in their conversations (by mentioning not so sweet things about me). So here I am - reflecting on how I would have behaved if life offered me a chance to redo things. Unfortunately, i have still not become so magnanimous to go and talk to them, offer an apology for the mistakes on my part. So i am trying hard to make the present work - and believe in the power of a relay race over a sprint.