strategy, tactics, internal communications, and employee goals aligned
Pros
Calix has emerged as a very strong player with a unique and defensible business plan after a painful few years of strategic and operational restructuring. Now is a great time to be at Calix. The leadership team is open and honest about the business plan and communicates how the tactical results are aligned to our financial and strategic operational plans. Calix has spent the last couple years retooling our infrastructure and processes to support a largely remote workforce and we continue to evolve these processes. Our leadership sets the strategic direction and lets the team direct and influence the specific projects and tasks to meet this strategy. Individual performers are recognized and given opportunities to grow both their skill sets and scope within the organization -- if they are motivated to do so. Leadership is looking for individuals to help the company "learn" our way forward -- they don't expect individuals to have the exact relevant experience -- which is not possible in many highly volatile markets or technology situations. We have a high percentage of leaders and employees that are smart, willing to listen, and know that they don't know everything. The Employee stock purchase plans and health plans are very generous and competitive. I like the fact that the bonus plans are tied to company performance and individual performance.
Cons
Not necessarily cons -- but words of advice if you want to succeed at Calix: If you need the comfort of a "static" job with relatively little change -- then Calix is not the place for you. You need to be willing to learn new ways of improving (and therefore changing) your work processes. If you just want to "clock in and clock out" without contributing to the bigger picture and be willing to learn how you can help improve the overall plan at Calix --then this is not the place for you. It requires effort to look beyond the scope of your immediate role and tasks. If you are unable to adapt to a remote work situation where you need to be self monitoring of your work output -- then Calix is not the place for you. You will work hard so make sure you are in (or working towards) a role that you enjoy at least 75% of your tasks so that you can spend time in a "flow" state instead of in a "oh my god I have to get this done" state.