Working at this organization, I experienced a huge contrast between their stated core values and the reality of daily operations. They claim to be "INCLUSIVE," emphasizing the importance of embracing differences and growing together. In practice, initiatives like the DEI council and ERGs were undermined by a lack of leadership involvement and significant roadblocks imposed by the Chief of Staff, rendering them ineffective.
Their commitment to "EMPOWERING" employees seemed empty, as opportunities to shine were contingent on overworking oneself, with credit often stolen by management/leadership while any minor mistake was quickly criticized. "CURIOUS" was another core value, emphasizing a relentless pursuit of new ideas for groundbreaking success. In reality, the organization leaned heavily on recycling past campaigns, showing little genuine interest in innovative thinking.
The value of being "CREATIVE" was not upheld, as the organization was resistant to implementing solutions that would disrupt the status quo, favoring a return to outdated practices. Lastly, their claim to be "TRANSFORMATIVE" by seeking new opportunities and embracing change felt disingenuous. Leadership often only embraced change when it served their personal agendas and the pursuit of accolades, rarely showing up to genuinely support initiatives they suggested implementing.
Ultimately, the organization's leadership frequently took credit for employee-driven solutions, convincing employees that these experiences were building resumes and offering career opportunities. While there was some truth to this, a significant portion of the efforts felt wasted and did not contribute to personal or professional growth. Under the new CEO's leadership, the organization appears to be cultivating followers rather than nurturing leaders, leaving employees feeling disillusioned and undervalued.