My short experience with this organization was strange. If I had not experienced it for myself, I would not have believed it. I read all the posts about USC before I accepted a position with them and assumed all of the posts were likely disgruntled (ex) employees. I couldn't have been more wrong.
After a couple of weeks, a few people were "no longer with the organization." Nothing more was said and it was as though they never existed.
There is a steady stream of meetings and conference calls daily where the topic of conversation is the "DO" and the behaviors - Common Purpose, Flexibility, and Values - Customer Focus, Empowerment, Diversity. Let me translate a few - Flexibility - this means you must work any time you are asked, take on extra projects or special assignments regardless of how much work you currently have or you are not being "flexible" or working towards the "common purpose."
Recognition is important. "I want to thank XYZ for showing "common purpose.", I want to thank XYZ for her "flexibility" I want to recognize XYZ for "embracing change."This is important to show that you are a "good fit with the DO culture." Leaders are encouraged to use the same language for consistency and sending the same message. This is where and why people liken this organization to a religious cult, as you are constantly being bombarded with their ideology.
Meanwhile, actual WORK is secondary to all things "culture" related. As a New Hire, don't ask a lot of questions.. Like, why do we do this, in this way? Wouldn't it be more efficient if we.., or have we tried to .." This is not welcome. Verbally you will hear that USC wants to hear differing opinions and ideas as we all have varied backgrounds and experience. Don't fall into the same trap that I fell into and actually believe that.
Another word you will hear often is "feedback." What this translates to - your boss will reach out to people that you work with to find out what they think of you. Like a normal person, you will probably not see this as an issue. After all, you stand by your work and welcome constructive criticism. Right? Casual conversations with peers are taken out of context. Everyone (associates and leaders) are encouraged to "tattle" on each other. This is especially true of New Hires as they are still trying to determine if you will fit in with the culture. So what normal people would consider casual conversation or simply venting frustrations to a peer, or questioning the reasoning behind a decision, is viewed as negative and generally not accepted.
Conference calls and meetings quickly eat up half your day - it is not uncommon to have 3-5 conference calls back to back. Yes, there is work to be done and yes, there are deadlines, but you can always take it home or do it during the weekend. So work/life balance? A figment of someone's overactive imagination.
As a professional, it is no mystery that USC is a not a "big player" in the wireless arena. I highly doubt it will ever be. After all, while other carriers are busy (GASP) working, innovating, and growing, USC is sadly on a conference call talking about how wonderful it is to work for such a truly dynamic organization.
I went in believing that perhaps there was something truly special about all of the smiling faces and employees who loved working at USC. Don't fall for the hype; employees must appear this way to keep their job. They are absolutely motivated by fear and will not say anything to you because after all, you might "report" them.
An offer with this organization is simply an opportunity to "see if you will be a good fit" with the DO and if you are found wanting, as I was, you will be terminated. Many told me to "drink the kool aid" and just "fake" it and I would be left alone.
Frankly, I don't like kool aid and I won't drink it. If you are "open to change" into their version of a drone, with little time for family, long hours, lots of travel, average pay - choose US Cellular. If you have other options - Take them. This experience was a stressful one and was straight out of the pages of the "The Twilight Zone."
