Cisco Systems – “If you're okay with cruising along with no growth, great place”

Pros

Flexible Telecommuting options when necessary
Overall easy going culture (if not directly working with you and in competition)
The name.

Cons

Leaderships at all levels very political, and only those who are good at it move up despite their skills or true leadership skills.

Very vague promotions criteria. Differs from manager to manager, largely because there isn't one and it is basically up to your manager's personal opinion and standard and their power in the organization.

No rocking the boat allowed. If you see inefficiency, go along with it otherwise you'll get negative comments in your 360 review for being difficult and hard to work with. You'll see a lot of chasing around the tails on some very straightforward questions as a result.

Concensus driven decisions and no true leader will drag on projects for a very long time and dissolve at some point without warning.

Pay and incentive is NOT based on performance. Bell curve is used and even with performance evaluation, most people get the same bonus. This discourages and frustrates high performers but is a haven for those who can adapt and just cruise on mediocracy.

Advice to Senior Management

Are we looking for real thinkers and innovators or those who clock in/out for paychecks?
Because if it's latter, there're plent of mediocre happy employess who will cruise along with it.