Caterpillar – “Former employee of 15 years”

Pros

1. In the past they offered stability due to size and market position. However recent market conditions have resulted in substantial reductions of staff.
2. Potential for international experience
3. Industry Leader

Cons

1. Not a humble organization, tend to be arrogant, dealers referred to this as "Catitude"
2. Very ingrown organization, resulting in little acceptance for innovative ideas.
3. They do not know how to manage mid-career hires. As a rule they follow a very traditional development path. I realize this sounds simply "disgruntled", but I know of multiple employees who experienced this. Most of use have left to better opportunities.
4. During the recent down sizing, communication was terrible. It was late in coming, obtuse and too often misinformed. I know of several employees who were advised not take the buyout package because they were assured positions and were laid off 30 days after the deadline for the offer expired.

Advice to Senior Management

You need to walk the talk!
The published values in action, Common values, etc. Are not being cascade through the organization. As an example, Feedback we received from the employee surveys praised a high engagement score (number of surveys completed). I saw very little activity on the qualitative attributes of the survey (what needs fixed). Is the mob carrying flowers or pitch forks?

The effective project managers and the articulate seem to be fed into the leadership roles. I experienced many challenges due poor leadership at the supervisory and mid management levels. As a former manger and SME with cross industry experience I was quite surprised and frustrated by implementation based on agendas verse strategy.

Last. as a matter of record for the integrity of the organization, your management was very manipulative with me and several co-workers during the recent down sizing. When seeking counsel about the buy out we were advised against it and soon after laid off. Remember, we have families! The HR folks offered no support when informed.

It is a very difficult time to be in leadership, but there is never a time to compromise your integrity!