Pros
Strong support at the grassroots level. Incredible co-workers who genuinely care about each other. I knew about the Gallup poll in the 5th grade - wide respect of brand.
Cons
I recently had the chance to hear a speech regarding the power of culture from one of the original authors of First Break all the Rules. He made a statement that hit me between the eyes. He said "brand is how others see us, and culture is how we see ourselves." He also went on to say that if these become disconnected, significant consequences will prevail. Those two comments helped me to understand just what is happening within this once fine company. We are seeing the "peter principle" at the leadership level and worse yet a complete unwillingness to look at themselves for the recent: -angry clients -clients not renewing because of "consultants who are young, but think they are wise" -arrogance with no basis -no new thought leaders to replace those who have been chased out -decreasing revenues -margin deterioration (which is hurting all employees, as both is how we are paid) -lowest morale and engagement amongst employees at all levels Most importantly, the family and other sycophant leaders (of which you must be to or be "cast out"). They have become completely blinded by their own control, ego and wealth. Their reputation (brand) has become widely known as arrogant, incompetent and destroyers of the once great brand. Internally (culture) leaders are laughed at (behind the scenes of course) and all respect for them has vanished.