Thoughts on these SoCal corporate teams: Paul Hastings (LA/OC), Latham (OC), Gibson Dunn (OC), Paul Weiss (LA), Morgan Lewis (LA/OC), STB (LA), Orrick (OC)? I’m a midlevel corporate associate considering a lateral to SoCal for family reasons. I’m mainly trying to get a sense of day-to-day culture and training/mentorship opportunities. I understand hours and deal flow vary, but I’m interested in which teams are generally well-run and collaborative. Any firsthand perspectives appreciated.

Is it just me, or does Team Player really mean don’t complain, take on extra work, and smile while doing it? At my job, the people who get praised as great team players are always the ones who stay late, never push back, and quietly clean up everyone else’s messes. Meanwhile, those of us who set boundaries or ask questions get labeled difficult. It feels like team player has become code for doormat. Is there any way to really be perceived as someone who cares about the team without slaughtering your WLB?

Just joined a biotech company. My manager loves me but the team member I’m supposed to learn from has been mean, not supportive and unwilling to coach because they thinks they’re being replaced. Always wanting to gossip at all times and I’m not interested in that. I’m getting frustrated because some team members have been mean and I’m hitting roadblocks to getting basic stuff to be able to get my job done. The company also put me on a 2Y relocation repayment so if I leave I will pay. I’m so frustrated

Looking for tips, advice, resources or coaches. I am leading several teams across 3 clients and am drowning in emails from all of the team distro lists + group Teams chats and side chats + texts from my clients. I have days with meetings straight through, so I’m trying to keep up with the flow of comms while staying tuned in on most calls. It’s been especially busy lately and I’m not keeping pace. I can’t change the workload, but hoping to find ways to manage it better. Thanks for any thoughts!

What’s your advice on working with difficult team members? Specifically someone older who has been there longer and is resistant to change, likes having control, does not lift up others for their ideas and contributions for improving processes, and brings things up making it seem like they want to find a solution but really just want to bring up things they think you’re doing “wrong” in their eyes. They never see your perspective, they always have to have the last word.

Hello. I'm a Realtor. I haven't practiced since around 2021, and placed my license on Inactive. I'm wondering how to join a team? I'm a 57 y/o single mother and I need a steady income or at least enough to make it until the next closing, but that is never a guarantee. I've never been a part of a team, but feel like it might be the right direction for me. What do you think? I've been in PM for a few years, but I'm not sure that it's my calling.

I work in a creative agency, and I heard someone from the art team make comments about the team I lead (the copy team) on how poorly skilled we are compared to them. First of all, I don't agree with that one bit, and secondly, I don't enjoy knowing there's unnecessary rivalry between two teams who are supposed to actively work with each other towards the same goal. Would you let it be or try to be the arbitrator and fix this?

How does your manager communicate with the team? Are they good at it? Are there things they could do better? Our leaders are pretty good about keeping and open line of conversation going. What works and doesn't work on your team? How do you prefer to communicate? Looking to find out what works for people and what doesn't.

I don’t know when “being a team player” started meaning “say yes to everything.” I used to think it made me look dependable, but now I just look exhausted. Half the people who say no somehow get praised for “setting boundaries,” while the rest of us quietly drown. How do you start pulling back without looking lazy?

Something I have realised as a team leader, its always better to criticise a team member after you have helped them clean up their mess. Builds trust and also lets them know that they should have done better. On the contrary, its never good to not criticise ever. How do you handle your team's mess ups?