John Deere – “Steeped in old-school politics...a career black hole”

Pros

Used to be a decent place to work before shareholders became the sole measurement of success. Decent work hours and decent compensation for the Midwest. Not too much commute time typically. Stable company for the time-being.

Cons

A political nightmare. The same middle managers rotate around to newly "reorganized" positions. The company does not leverage or value new ideas or new talents, but say they do. They like to gain outside recognition for this, but it doesn't happen internally. Be ready for a day of frustrating, unproductive meetings that prevent you from getting your actual work done. Multiple managers with dotted line reporting provide conflicting input on your work, sending you in circles with no accomplishment, then peg you at review time for not getting things done. The focus has changed from valuing employees to valuing the shareholders. Poor morale, people stuck in the same jobs for 20+ years, and constant talk of how soon they can retire. Deere is typically the only game in town, and treats its employees as such. The "good-old-boy" network cannot be broken unless you figure out how to play the game. Political landmines everywhere, and only those in management know where they are at. If no personal growth, no real advancement opportunities, and frustrating politics are your goal, this may be the place for you.

Advice to Senior Management

Create an open environment where new ideas and new people are valued. Eliminate the protocol and politics, and get your management to let things happen instead of trying to control everything and everyone. Put value back on the employee and their family. Clean up the stifling culture, and let things move at a reasonable pace.