Medtronic – “Medtronic lifesaving technologies but struggles to be a fast follower in a technology driven industry”

Pros

The medtronic mission is a compelling and very much supported reason to come to work
Community involvement by Medtronic is significant and the technologies impact real people with real medical conditions

Cons

Very many silos - Business A doesn't know what Business B does. Mobility between businesses is limited. Sites outside the Twin Cities can get neglected.

Senior Management frequently leaving the company or being forced to leave make consistency of message difficult.

Advice to Senior Management

Dear Senior Management - Each year when you spend 3 months on strategic planning, then 3 months on annual operating plan, then 3 months restructuring (Layoffs) only leaves the entire company in limbo - and results in 3 months of real, active program work by those whose programs haven't been renamed or put on hold this year. Try this instead - spend 2 or 3 months on the strategic and operating plan - then the remainder of the year managing the development teams for success. Your competitors are ahead of your technologies in most every business today - roll up your sleeves and get to work Medtronic - you can do it.