- The culture often resembles a high school dynamic, where popularity and social alignment matter more than skill or professionalism
- Leadership tends to reward those who “manage up” and conform, creating an environment where favoritism thrives and bullying goes unchecked
- Lack of transparency and inconsistent decision-making from leadership erodes trust across teams
- Unqualified and inexperienced individuals are frequently promoted into senior roles, further undermining capable professionals
- Diversity and inclusion are treated as buzzwords, with little meaningful action — those who don’t fit the mold are often marginalized
- Psychological safety is low; speaking up is discouraged and can have negative consequences
- Competence and critical thinking are often seen as threats rather than strengths
- Many high-performing professionals either burn out, are pushed out, or choose to leave due to the toxic environment
