11y
Good Review. I think you cover some valid points... although potentially a little biased.
Still, I think this is a useful review for folks that might want to work at SurveyGizmo.
Every company likes a to paint an ideal picture of themselves online... but as the reviewer notes, we have some warts too.
SurveyGizmo is a small, bootstrapped business. In terms of the Harvard's Business Review's Stages of Business Growth -- we can't pretend to be in any other stage than 3-G. Successful. Growing, but not a mature larger organization yet.
Which means we're going to be small, agile, make mistakes and there won't be as many opportunities for rapid professional development in a company of 65 as there would be in an organization of 300.
We're definitely in a mid-zone.
Most roles are now defined, so the opportunity to shift between jobs and develop new skills feels slower than before (especially if you want rapid career advancement like you can find in a younger start up).
On the bright side, we do have fiscal security, great benefits and with a few exceptions that we're correcting (as warranted -- see my comments in the next review) we're mid-high range for salaries now.
If you're looking to work here I recommend reading and thinking carefully about this review. It's honest and heartfelt from a member of our staff (although I don't know who).
In terms of management -- yep, according to the by line for this review, the staff member who wrote this is working for one of our least experienced managers. The manager knows it.
As CEO I am stepping back and working through the manager to help develop their management skills. They will make mistakes, and they will learn. They (we all) take their mistakes to heart.
To the reviewer: I am still available to everyone (come talk to me if you have questions). As the manager of the managers it is my job to coach them and help develop their management and leadership skills. I don't think I can do that effectively if I override them all the time or steal their thunder as I used to! :-)
Be patient, all skills take time. If I didn't think they could get there, they won't be in their positions. :-)
In terms of a place to work -- I recommend us if you are energetic, flexible (and forgiving), and you already have a professional development plan that you are working on. We can augment it -- but we're not at a stage yet where we can create it for someone.
I would amend the reviewer's comment and say that we're a great place to work if you are thinking about your career in terms of five to ten years not two to three. I mean that honestly, not as a knock against the review.
Thanks again for the feedback! Even if it's anonymous, I appreciate it!
Cheers,
Christian
CEO
