Juniper Networks – “Transformation with unclear purpose”

Pros

Employees (up to 1st line management) are mostly hard workers, and believe in their ability to achieve great results. Smart people and still some camaraderie.

Cons

Headcount freeze for workers, and continuous hiring and promotions for senior management and executives. Management is becoming too political, and the performance management is unclear, and perceived to be unfair. Company strategy is not clear at the lower levels. No alignment internally, between the top-level management and the rest of the company. Empire building is becoming a serious problem. Lack of empowerment of employees. To please Wall Street every quarter is the top priority. Long-term objectives and priorities are not considered, and the company is in permanent diving catches.

Advice to Senior Management

Walk the talk. Less slideware and videos, and more actions and consistent behaviors. Enforce performance rating to middle management. People management must be key. Pay attention to professional development of employees (all employees), not only VP or SVP or EVP.