Stillsecure – “StillSecure still holding itself back from greatness”

Pros

High-energy sales and management team could make this a very lucrative company. There are some excellent people in Engineering and the core products could lead the market.

Cons

If there was a person in management who knew how to manage people and their projects, I didn't meet them (and I met everyone in the very small company). The company lacks project management knowledge and skills. The CEO thinks that boosterism is the same as leading and that the sales team and the engineering team will overcome the many mistakes that are being made in managing projects.

Advice to Senior Management

Listen to the real experts you hire instead of the wannabes. Watch out for the glib poseurs - you've had quite a few of them because you like your glib (and very successful) senior managers and sales leaders. Learn why business analysts are crucial to successful software development companies and hire some that understand user needs, not just the needs of the sales force. Find someone who understands the nuts and bolts of project management and let them do their job.