Microsoft – “Once great company needs to slim down to thrive again.”

Pros

The people challenge you. The projects have global impact. The benefits are unmatched. When you call anyone in any industry, they'll call you back. In some divisions you can enjoy the autonomy of an entrepreneur backed by the resources of a... well a Microsoft.

Cons

I spent 25% of my time trying to confirm that one of the other 50,000 employees wasn't working on the exact same project I was. I spent another 25% of my time using PowerPoint to convince execs that I should be allowed to do the job I was hired to do. I had 50% left to do email, meetings and the work I was hired to do - each of these three was a 40 hour work week so it required prioritization and expectation setting to have a life.

Advice to Senior Management

Lay off 20% of the company. Not because you need the money, but because they are tripping all over each other. Several divisions spend a considerable amount of their time trying to "define their role" in the company and justify their existence. You'll get more accomplished. Just start listening to the rank and file. This is a big reason why the best ones have already left.