The biggest issue I observed is the lack of skilled management and business acumen in the top level staff. This filtered down to many areas of organization including:
- unclear or inconsistent changes in expectations,
- inability to value and recognize an individual's unique giftedness,
- lack of respect of staff and their respective demographics,
- lack of strategic short- and long- term planning, and
- an undercurrent of a "Cover Your Back" culture, not knowing when or why decisions reverse or shift with seemingly little regard for resulting consequences.
My experience was that these managers were unwilling or lacking the humility and responsibility to consider another perspective that they did not originate.
A misalignment of values was displayed that weighted too heavily on an edgy reputation and a buzz worthy company and not enough on frugality, excellence, honesty, and empathy. That can be a conflicting for an employee and a demoralizing and hypocritical experience.