Why some workplaces thrive while others feel soul-sucking...

Okay, so I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. It’s not about ping pong tables or free snacks. It’s the culture. It’s how people treat each other and get stuff done.

I tried searching through my own memories, for those rare moments when work actually *felt good*—where the energy was right, the people had each other’s backs, and we were building something that mattered. And looking back, I realized it wasn’t about what we were doing, but how we were doing it together.

Here’s what I’ve noticed about the places where people actually felt alive at work—where careers thrived instead of just surviving. If you’re a leader working to create a better workplace environment, channel these:

• Impact Over Ego – The people who truly succeed aren’t obsessed with looking good. They focus on solving real problems, and that’s what gets noticed long-term.

• Collaboration Over Competition – The best workplaces and careers grow when people (teams and bosses included) lift each other up. The “me vs. you” mentality may work short-term, but the most successful professionals know that shared success opens more doors.

• Progress Over Comfort – If no one ever challenges bad ideas or pushes for better ways of working, careers (and companies) stagnate. Playing it safe won’t get you ahead.

• Recognition Over Silence – The people who get ahead own their work and make sure it’s seen. A simple “Hey, my team worked on that” isn’t bragging—it’s making sure your contributions don’t disappear.

• Thoughtfulness Over Speed – Trying to move fast without bringing people along often backfires. The people who truly excel in their careers balance execution with influence—making sure others see the value they bring.

What’s wild is that these things seem so obvious, but I’ve worked at places that ignored them completely, and it was a disaster.

What about you? Ever worked somewhere that nailed this stuff...or completely missed it? I’d love to hear your take.