eBay – “Where did the real eBay go?”

Pros

- innovative business model
- forefront of internet commerce
- interesting company to work for
- fast paced, dynamic
- exciting to be competing with the big boys in Silicon Valley
- international brand
- fortune 500 company
- still believing that people are basically good
- still helping some small business to earn a better living - especially amidst the economic meltdown
- enabling international commerce
- giving opportunities for people who cannot work otherwise a chance to use their innovation to make a living e.g. handicapped, elderly
- promoting social and economical equality
- can observe business model
- some good structures in place: HR, security, grassroots mentorship program, green initiatives, Rewards and Recognition team, facilities team - employee lounge
- good benefits: health, parking, transit benefits, shuttle to the skytrain, Bagel Day, ESPP, Group RRSP, RSUs, bonuses (use to), free gym, sabbatical program after 5 years

Cons

- lower salary
- lack of development opportunities to move talented individuals into the next position / salary category
- as a result, difficult to retain talent; barely holding on to people due to under water stock options
- career path from the Operations centre does not link into the Business Unit in San Jose / other countries

Advice to Senior Management

- give less business jargon
- provide more transparency
- it's okay to admit that things aren't rosy
- don't force people to think that the Vancouver climate is all happy-go-lucky
- being optimistic and simply not realistic are two different things
- to allow for true honesty, allow for more anonymous feedback that does not have leading questions that allow for genuine transparency (without recourse)