Top Ten Signs Of A Dysfunctional Workplace

There's no such thing as a perfect company - any enterprise consisting of more than one person is going to have issues (and to be sure, there are single-person enterprises that have major issues).

Frequently, the larger the organization, the more likely one or more of the following is going to be true. Note that there is a difference between an event or incident and an actual pattern. Incidents can sometimes be explained (everyone has bad days); patterns are worth noting.

Here, then, are the top ten patterns that could convince you to pack your bags:

  1. Managers berate underlings publicly (and loudly). Airing dirty laundry in front of peers. People try to 'win' arguments by raising the volume rather than put forth reasoned arguments.
  2. Managers don't delegate; lack of trust.
  3. Meetings: Never or rarely have meetings (inadequate communications) -OR- too many meetings (no time to get things done).
  4. Lack of preparation. Everything (or nearly everything) is an emergency.
  5. Managers don't commit anything to writing - no clear documentation trail (ever notice some managers prefer to "drop by" or "call to tell you" rather than compose email or provide documentation...?)
  6. Company or managers promise non-existent products or product features to customers without consulting the people who have to deliver the goods.
  7. Three weeks before first customer ship date and your manager is adding features because of a recent project or sales lead.
  8. Lack of timely and direct feedback. You find out about perceived problems only at review time, months (or more) after they occurred. The rest of the time, it's all peaches and cream.
  9. Your manager acts nervous or uncomfortable whenever he (or she) sees you talking to someone outside your department.
  10. An air of unreality permeates the organization.
  11. Multiple boss syndrome: you're given directives (sometime conflicting) by more than one superior. And/or, people who report to you are also getting orders from your boss, a peer of your boss, the janitor, etc.
  12. Webmasters and editors who can't count...

Talk Back!

Do you have any other symptoms you think ought to be included in this (or a future) list? Drop us a comment and we'll 'take it under advisement'.