Travelers Companies – “Great Recruiting, Very Good Company, Be Careful Once You Join”

Pros

This firm avoided the poor investments that led to the TARP bailouts of other financial firms and is therefore in an excellent financial position. As a result, the firm is investing dollars and emphasizing strategic efforts to take advantage of their enviable financial position. Excellent recruiting and HR functions and a vibrant workforce infused with energy. There are good opportunities for advancement here. There are also excellent opportunities for visibility.

Cons

Be careful: the smiles you are greeted with during your interview may change once you're aboard - and change quickly. The organization is a maze to work through and confomity is valued over personality. I've been here a short time and my honeymoon was over before it started and the rose colored glasses I wore have been removed.

Advice to Senior Management

You have firm with an enviable history with a strong position in a terrible economy. Take advantage: review your organization from top to bottom. You have a great vision but you may be surprised at the poltics and dissonance you find in the layers below.