Development Dimensions International Reviews

Pros

They walk the talk in terms of talent and applying internally what they sell to clients.

Cons

Lousy compensation for sales folk. Tends to be conservative in making decisions so opportunities can be lost. The upside of this is that they are not exposed greatly which is a plus in a lousy market like now.

Advice to Senior Management

Compensate high fliers appropriately. DDI provides advice to companies about managing their talent - how about doing the same for your own high performers. You can get so far on development opportunities...

Pros

The culture is very unique - supports collaboration; professional excellence and personal growth. The people are outstanding - DDI practices what is preaches in terms of using rigorous selection processes. Because of this, you can be sure you will be working with great people. Excellent opportunities for for professional growth through diverse projects, assignments and geography. DDI Leadership - a lot of attention is paid to identifying and developing leaders. DDI's operating committe is very strong - great balance of the what's (strategic vision) and how's (cultural vision). Very interesting work with diverse client base. Exposure to cutting-edge thought leadership, tools and processes related to talent management (selection, leadership development, succession management).

Cons

DDI is filled with overachievers - sometimes the hours can be long. Travel is a given - this can be hard on families if you don't have a good support network.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep doing what you are doing. Look for ways to balance compensation between sales and delivery.

Pros

Strong culture that balances performance with needs of individuals for work life balance. Integrity of leadership and really "living the values". Being privately held, there is not ruthless quarterly accountability to the street. This affords a lush benefit: ability and willingness to take a longer term view. Rich, collaborative culture encourages all to work together and rejects those who insist on playing "win at all costs".

Cons

Compensation is known by all leaders to be well below other employers for similar positions. Conservative leadership, while providing long term stability, means that growth is effectively gated or capped by risk aversion. Being privately held, there are no opportunities for upside equity participation. Collaborative culture has created a Byzantine network of processes and relationships which can be draining and dreadfully inefficient.

Advice to Senior Management

Do what you must to allow the company to come closer to market salaries or risk losing some great people. Be aware that deeply conservative planning, while avoiding downsides, causes your employees who are compensated on risk to earn much less than they otherwise might.