I witnessed the start of the unraveling of a once-thriving company, and the decline just keeps dragging on in real time. So many amazing people – the backbone of that award-winning team – have been shoved out the door, and it seems barely a handful of the originals are still hanging on. Individually ousted or ejected through one of their multiple 'reductions of force' - people were not awarded consistent severance and benefit packages. Rather it depended on the narrative they built around you, or whether the CEO thought you were worthy as to how you were treated. There is a real poison in HR, at the senior/mid management level that singlehandedly turned a once-welcoming culture into a cesspool of fear, confusion, favoritism, and two-faced nonsense. The toxicity oozed out of HR into every area of the business. Within that same group, the development atmosphere changed - it had always been about growth, teams, mentoring and helping one another, but then turned it into an overcomplicated slog that cared more about formality than people or their success. Just this week, scrolling on LinkedIn - several more amazing people gone – even execs who built Goodway Group to their very best days – kicked to the curb or fleeing a sinking ship. Many that remain on the inside are scared they’re next, whispering about the shredded culture, vanishing perks, slashed learning budgets, and the axed all-company trips – even profit sharing and bonuses apparently got gutted. The all-company trips for years were required for employment, because they were so vital to helping us to stay connected and aligned. How could this be something the company eliminates? To anyone looking in, it feels like Goodway Group is drowning financially. But why? It’s heartbreaking, because this didn’t have to happen. Anyone looking to work here, needs to know that something is very wrong. There is a long history of 'reductions of force' and what feels like a top heavy org protecting their pocketbooks should the company fail. The crumbling of this once-stellar workplace and its basic business momentum begs questions: what shifts in the last couple of years drove this company off the cliff? How did the owner, who is a wonderful person, allow this to happen to his company that has thrived for nearly a century? Who is ultimately responsible, and will they be held accountable?
