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Hi, This is Raj. Thank you for sharing your comments, and sorry to learn about your poor experience. There are several issues you are raising, and I would strongly encourage you to bring up the specifics internally, and become a part of the solution.
Let me address some of the points you raise here. You are right, Fractal is built on progressive values. Fractalites are driven by our vision and are passionate about creating a lasting impact. To that end:
a) We are very deliberate about who we bring on board (hiring) and driving a high performance culture. The hiring process which, as you know, includes the tests, multiple interviews and background checking, is rigorous. Even so, as with the best of processes, there are mistakes, and we may realize that we are not a good fit for each other. We discover the fit issue (mutually) at different points - sometimes as early as induction, or during the course of an engagement etc. At such times, it is in the best interest of Fractal and the individual to part ways. And as you said, many, if not all, of them are bright minds, and would do well in other types of roles. Lack of fit does not in any way mean that people are not bright. This performance evaluation is a regular part of the assessment. It is not one off or in response to a specific event.
b) On middle management, we have all discussed this "issue" previously. We have had a panel discussion, some workshops and other mechanisms through which we gained insight into what the issue is. As we discovered, more than an isolated issue with middle management, what we needed was reinforcement across levels of being hands on, technical and consultative. The change in designation structure, bringing the competency framework for rigorous promotions are all attempts to reinforce the importance for each one of us to be hands on and add value. Let me also add here that this is a journey and the best way to address this is for all of us to be the change we want to see and become that inspiring person ourselves (I hope you will attempt this, whether or not you are formally a manager).
Once again, I would welcome your participation and input in this process to help build better and more effective processes at Fractal. Please do reach out to me directly.
Thank you,
Raj