Countrywide Financial – “This company has great potential.”

Pros

People. Most of the people you work with are the best. They are always willing to step up and pitch in to help; most of the time without being asked. They really highlight the people during the rewards ceremonies.
Location. Countrywide has many locations so you have the ability to chose what works best for you.
Flexiblity. Many of the groups are extremely flexible with the working hours as long as the work gets completed.

Cons

Inequity. Most groups within Countrywide, it is who you know to get promoted. Many of the people receive their promotions like "merit" raises. Unfortunately, there are a few managers that try to promote their staff truly based on ability. If you happen to be associated with the "good" boss, your career can suffer as you get left behind.
Enforcement. Process improvement is a great idea and from these ideas direction is given to individuals and groups on how to use the new technique. The downside is that no one enforces the transition to the new method. This often results in fragmented processes and one more system or application where 50% are using the old and the other move on to the new.

Advice to Senior Management

Communicate. Take time out of that busy schedule to truly talk with your staff. People just like to know "why" and feel included. If your staff believes you care about them, they will do anything for you.
Trust. Blind faith in your managers usually is not the best for the company or your staff. Some people even though they have tenure are not cut out to manage people.
Vision. Get past "the way we have always done it" and embrace the best way to do it.