Over the years, I’ve worked at different types of software companies—some local, some remote, some tech-heavy, and some more product-driven. And while I’ve encountered my share of challenges—tight deadlines, rushed releases, underinvested architecture—I’ve recently found myself reflecting on a different kind of issue.

Not the kind of problem that’s easy to name. In fact, what I’ve been noticing might not even be seen as a problem by many.

But what if some of the ways we work—especially in mature, technically sophisticated environments—aren’t as healthy as we think they are? What if the processes we lean on are quietly discouraging collaboration or stunting growth?