DIRECTV – “Please run it like a modern company in 2008, and not an oligarchy.”

Pros

Sometimes very creative, interesting and challenging projects. Good hours, good pay, nice people work there. Public company perception is good, product is great. Co-workers are brilliant, talented, terrific to work with.

Cons

I think the product is good, and it's a good company, I just think internally the management needs to modernize. This is, of course reflective of my department. Most likely another branch within the company won't have any of these downsides. Some examples of the management culture that needs improvement: There's Absolutely no information sharing, the archaic waterfall approach to project management is in full effect. Oftentimes petty, fear-based motivating factors are leveraged. Favoritism is regularly and blatantly practiced. As a part of the company, have absolutely no say in company, department growth or development. Any and all information and power is hoarded and squandered by a few. No solid processes in place. No proper project management or project manager - no insight into the projects in the pipeline. No knowledge sharing and people rarely take classes or pursue any of the educational benefits the company provides. Not really a culture of growth or openness.

Advice to Senior Management

Consider more modern approaches to management. Openness, Agile Development, employing project managers, are a good place to start.