You know things are going well when:

1. There's kinetic energy in the office.
2. All senior execs speak independently but in unison about the strategy.
3. Decision making is clear and consistent - e.g. few start/stops in regards to major decisions (hiring, strategy, fund raising, etc.).
4. The firm hits its numbers.
5. There is a respect for open communication both up and down in the organization.
6. There is a high retention rate for all staff.
7. In retrospect core decisions were right.
8. There is an obsession with making happy customers.

You know things are not going well when:

1. The receptionist is rude and untrained.
2. Plants are dead in the office.
3. The refrigerator is a mess with nothing nourishing but a near empty bottle of tequila (I actually saw this once!).
4. The exec team argues inappropriately in front of subordinates and superiors.
5. Politics distract from efficient execution.
6. Unproductive employees don’t get fired.
7. Next quarter is always the good quarter.
8. Every day is happy day and real issues are not discussed.
9. Time is wasted on misguided strategic decisions.
10. Work ethic is low, enthusiasm is low and the team doesn't show an aura of excitement and confidence.

-Jed Smith