Leaders micromanage or are absent. Favoritism and inconsistent enforcement of rules. Blame-shifting instead of problem-solving.
No ownership of mistakes at the top. Employees are afraid to speak up. Retaliation for feedback or dissent. People stay quiet to “stay safe.”
Mistakes are punished instead of treated as learning moments. Gossip, backstabbing, cliques. Passive-aggressive communication.
Public criticism or humiliation. Leadership decisions feel secretive. Layoffs once or twice a year. RUN, don't walk away from this company.