In comedy, there’s the phrase known as “punching up,” which refers to the fact that in order to craft compelling and accessible comedy, it’s best to focus your sights on making fun of those with power. 

After all, making fun of those who are marginalized and powerless usually isn’t really funny, it’s just mean. 

In your workplace setting, does your culture promote punching up or punching down? Do supervisors constantly ask for feedback on how to manage better, or do they squash those who dare challenge them?  Is there a culture of accountability and responsibility, or one of blaming whomever has the least amount of social capital in the room? 

Is your workplace interested in being an attractive, compelling place to work, or is it just interested in being cheap and mean?