Dycom – “A good place to learn what NOT to do”

Pros

The technology and accessibility to new and and cutting edge software. There are plenty of opportunities to make a difference for the business and improve deficiencies throughout the company.

Cons

Management, management, management. A CEO who is too arrogant and too closed minded to let the people he hires make the right decisions. The paranoia in this company is felt at all levels. Employees are paralyzed by fear that they may lose their jobs if they speak up and in any way contradict the views of the high executives. The IT department and the rest of the business acts like two separate companies. The CIO is also paralyzed by fear and unable to deliver value to the business. People get promoted based on how well they play the game of stroking egos as opposed to merit or skill. This company is known to be a revolving door and has a terrible reputation in the market for good reasons.

Advice to Senior Management

Change your attitude towards your employee. Your company is only a strong as your weakest link. It is no secret that you do not care about your employees and that you think that good quality employees are easy to replace. I left your company and was floored when the CEO of the company I work for now, which happens to be much more profitable than yours, approached me to say that he wants to learn how to utilize my skills to ensure he is using the technology I teach to its fullest potential to help the business. Steve Nielsen would never admit that he does not know something. He thinks he knows everything and this makes him the weakest link. The same goes for all other executives at Dycom.