Pros
I led a great team of dedicated and talented professionals. Turning them from a demoralised, under-appreciated bunch into a proud and innovative group who started getting the recognition they deserved is one of the proudest achievements in my career. This, and the realisation that management culture needs to be at the top of my list of things to research before joining any company were the valuable lessons I learned.
Cons
The culture was one of cliques and intrigue which made for a very nasty atmosphere. The senior management seemed so paranoid and obsessed with 'bad behaviours' they would believe any nasty rumour anyone decided to spread around. Individuals were targeted and personal attacks were not required to be substantiated in order to be believed. I have worked in a number of companies and this was the most poisonous atmosphere of fear and intimidation you could imagine. It made me ill - I used to take a Valium before my one to ones with my boss. It was only after I left that I realised the ridiculous psychological impact it had. I was warned before I went there - but thought it couldn't be that bad. It was.
