Pros
The CEO has successfully raised money and has a good public facing presence for the company. The paychecks arrived on time. The backstage comradery of good people all seeking to get out. Literally everyone.
Cons
ABUSE - The CEO routinely demeans people publicly, "You've failed us" "Your view has no value, I don't want to hear it" "You are only 50% a person" " people don't know how to think" etc. URGENT - Constant random "urgent" demands for tactical work...whenever. CEO rants and people scramble. Poof!... the urgent task is replaced by another task and so on... Quietly ignoring CEOs urgent items is a coping mechanism openly discussed at all levels. TOXIC - The CEO's angry and toxic style infects the culture. The power of a toxic culture is easily as powerful as a positive one. It is common for employees to discuss the challenge of not participating in the toxicity. Those who are bullied by the CEO bully those around them. MICROMANAGEMENT - whatever expertise you think you have you won't use. ...cause the CEO and mini-CEO's know better. The CEO randomly inserts himself in sales deals and turns off potential buyers. C-suite lacks basic sales skills but routinely take over sales calls. Like watching a slow motion car crash... Incredible. SELF-DEFEATING - Random tactical tasks, micromanagement, and toxicity combine to create an environment of okay is good enough. A-players leave as quickly as they can. NO BOUNDARIES - expect 'do this now' emails, phone calls, and late meetings scheduled by the CEO (and CEO doesn't show) on weekends and evenings. TURN OVER - 75 percent in 12mos? Lay-offs ongoing. Many people join and choose to leave within 3months. Allot ofDid you know so an so left? blank stare "Who is so and so?"