1- Try to figure out how people grow in the organization. How are they promoted?  

For instance, it could be longevity. Playing the long-term game. Growth is a byproduct. Tolerate the organization long enough. In return, the organization tolerates you. Then you become “the organization”. 

You might ask what is being tolerated here? 

Behaviors. The good, the bad and the ugly. 

Some of the other ways people grow ; politics, playing favorites and performance. Note that these are behaviours too.

2- Reflect on what are the worst behaviors that are being tolerated. Define them.

Over a period of time, the worst behaviors get normalized. They define the culture of the organization. I was working in a team where the manager always favoured the people she liked. This was the norm. Other raised an eyebrow but this behaviour was tolerated.

3- Reflect on how long you can tolerate such behaviors. Take action.

If the answer is not long enough, a change might help. 

If the answer is forever, you become “the organization” 🙂