Pros
At U.S. Cellular, I had the opportunity to build some strong relationships and work with great people, creative people. There are some folks who are genuinely interested in the growth of their associates and teams. The culture is, for the most part, openly discussed and there is constant discussion about what it means and how it is best implemented. The pay for my position was in alignment with industry averages and market cost of living. The benefits were very strong.
Cons
The culture, called the Dynamic Organization, can't gain footing because it is interpreted differently at different levels of the company. I heard more than once "They D.O. looks and sounds much different the higher up the ladder you go." Personally, that lack of consistency is doesn't work. I also found that at the end of the day, Senior Leadership did not support me. Advancement opportunities are dangled like carrots as a means to maintain employee interest but then are jerked away. Three times I interviewed for a promotion because, as I was told many times, "you are definitely being groomed for leadership." All three times, I was denied the promotion because the hiring manager needed someone "who could hit the ground running." I was never given any specific feedback on why I personally was not the fit for the role. Senior Leadership in my department changed frequently. In nearly five years there I had 4 different direct managers and 5 different Directors. Each time a new leader was put in place adjustments had to be made. As soon as everyone gets adjusted, a new leader is put in place. It is hard to stay focused on a vision when leadership is so volatile. The trouble with the D.O. culture is that is used in a very cavalier manner. I believed in it with all my heart, but at the end of the day, U.S. Cellular proved that it is no different than any other big company out there. I was not valued. The company was more important than anything.
