When we talk about leadership success—especially for rising executives—the conversation often centers on performance, innovation, or strategic decision-making. But there’s a deeper force at play that quietly shapes careers and either propels or derails leadership potential: organizational culture.

Here’s the reality: You don’t just lead people. You lead within a culture. And if you don’t understand that culture—or worse, if you misinterpret or resist it blindly—you’re operating at a significant disadvantage.

For new leaders and high-potential professionals, adapting to workplace culture isn’t just helpful—it’s mission-critical. But what happens when the culture itself is unhealthy? What if the very behaviors that earn praise and promotions are rooted in dysfunction?