Pros

Deere has best in class business process and people who are smart and professional. This is not some old-tractor business with a good-old-boy network.

Working at Deere is an education into how business is done right. Optimal economics, highest ethical standards.

Cons

There are a lot of guys waiting to retire in the next ten years that aren't going anywhere fast. Promotion is limited if you are in your 30s and mid career. They struggle giving good jobs to high performers when an older guy feels like he earned it and has waited longer. It creates a culture where young, high performers have to wait around a lot for promotions that would come faster in a more dynamic management company.

Advice to Senior Management

Please be willing to do more to promote the young, strong bench strength at Deere. If you don't, your best talent will walk out the door before all the old guys retire.