Pros
Great leadership. The management staff knows the difference between being a manager and being a leader. Clear direction. Lots of potential and a plan that is looking to exploit that potential. Investors believe in the company and its products, otherwise they would not continue putting money into it. I used to work for the largest investor, so I know very well the meaning of that. I have been encouraged to speak up and contribute to the vision for the products and the company, and my opinions are taken seriously even though the debates are sometimes passionate and we don't always agree. The CEO is very positive about the company and the team and doesn't try to micromanage. The middle management staff is very competent -- once told the desired goal, they are quite capable of delivering. Management recognizes that employees have lives outside the company and are very flexible with schedules as long as the employee does the work. The products are exciting and are the kind that helps to make a very visible difference in a company's ROI, and hence to all their employees and shareholders. That doesn't happen very often, iMO. In essence, I very much believe in the value of what we are selling, and that makes it easy to be enthusiastic about offering it to customers. There is rich diversity in the company; employees come from all over the world.
Cons
The induction process for new employees needs to be more organized and process-focused. New employees sometimes have to discover things on their own, and that can lead to unnecessary confusion (first impressions last the longest). The training programs for new employees need better structure, and a commitment to get people the skills they need as quickly as possible so they can start delivering value just as quickly. The pay mechanisms and rules for those employees for whom a significant portion of their pay comes from commissions should be clearly explained before they are hired.
