Endless update meetings to educate the middle manager was one of the biggest sign for me. Hour-long meetings everyday, mostly just to entertain a manager that was in over his head. I’d close the meeting every time thinking to myself that nothing of value was said. Years later, I still can’t believe over 30% of my time at that place was burnt in useless meetings, not to mention how difficult it is to gain your focus when you’re constantly expecting meetings.