The “We Know How to Do” Problem in Big Companies: Breaking the Cycle of Toxicity

In big organizations, development teams often face challenges that have nothing to do with technology but everything to do with certain individuals. These are the people who constantly assert, “We know how to do this” or “You’re doing it wrong,” without being open to collaboration or fresh ideas. Their behavior is not only unhelpful but can actively derail projects and stifle innovation.

At first glance, these individuals may seem knowledgeable, but over time, it becomes clear that their toxic attitude, combined with their tendency to suggest problematic solutions, is a recipe for disaster. Here’s why these ego-driven personalities do more harm than good, and how we can address this issue to improve team dynamics and project outcomes.

The “We Know How to Do” Mentality

In large companies, there are always individuals who have been around for years. They’ve worked on numerous projects and carry the weight of experience. While this experience can be valuable, it often turns into a barrier when these people insist that their way is the only way. They cling to past solutions as if nothing else can work, regardless of how much technology and best practices have evolved.

The issue isn’t just their resistance to new ideas. These individuals often propose solutions based on their outdated experiences — solutions that may have worked in the past but now create more problems than they…