Kristin, This is one of the most powerful and refreshingly honest reflections on workplace culture I’ve read in a long time. It takes real courage to turn the mirror inward and admit, “Maybe it’s not just them, it’s also me.” The subtle ways in which we contribute to a toxic environment are so easy to miss when we believe our complaints are justified or “helpful.” But this piece shows that intention doesn’t cancel out impact. The shift from being a passive critic to an active contributor, one small, self-aware moment at a time, isn’t just professional growth, it’s emotional maturity. A must read for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m just being real,” without asking if they’re also being useful.
Kristin, This is one of the most powerful and refreshingly honest reflections on workplace culture I’ve read in a long time. It takes real courage to turn the mirror inward and admit, “Maybe it’s not just them, it’s also me.” The subtle ways in which we contribute to a toxic environment are so easy to miss when we believe our complaints are justified or “helpful.” But this piece shows that intention doesn’t cancel out impact. The shift from being a passive critic to an active contributor, one small, self-aware moment at a time, isn’t just professional growth, it’s emotional maturity. A must read for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m just being real,” without asking if they’re also being useful.