A lot of managers lead through fear. Let me translate one of the phrases you’ll hear all the time:
“We need to keep the momentum, this feedback should help with that”
Translation: vague, unnecessary pressure with no concrete points or actionable goals. It’s just a way to push people harder, make you feel like you’re underperforming, and normalize a toxic “give 100% all the time” culture.
Many managers simply aren’t capable or prepared to manage. Expect micromanagers with little to no real leadership experience — people who were promoted just because they’ve been around long enough. Also, get ready for people who won’t listen and rely on hierarchy to shut down discussion rather than find the right solution.
There are also tech decisions that make absolutely no sense. In the long run, employees are the ones who end up paying for those choices.
If you’re based in Malta, make sure you really understand the lifestyle and work culture there. It can be a big shock if you’re coming from a more modern European company culture — in many ways, it feels stuck in the 80s.