In smaller group settings, there’s a ton of gossip and mean spirited discussion. The culture behind close doors is very toxic. I’ve never been in a company where people arnt friends with at least a few colleagues. People will not hesitate to throw someone under the bus and do so directly to leadership. I’ve seen small inconsequential mistakes become huge talking points against individuals and travel through different departments. Rare that someone will stick up for a colleague when this happens but instead will use the moment to cover their own mistake.
Managers don’t seem to understand how to guide and empower employees - yet will micromanage. There’s a lot of “I don’t know what your should be doing but you need to do it right now” from managers. Then a lot of “why did you do that?!” in response. Leads to cross functional budget and planning disasters. And again, leads to people throwing others under the bus.
The culture discourages small talk. I’m certain that my direct manager doesn’t know a single personal thing about me - not the pets I have, if I have a partner, the city I live in, not a single hobby … and I’ve been at this company for 3 years now under the same direct manager.
