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Long-Term, Multi-Faceted Career

Manager - OSP Engineering
Former Employee
Worked at AT&T for 20 years
October 29, 2023
Santa Clara, California
4.0
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookApproves of CEO
Pros

Sales or technical positions that require self-motivation and expertise, with plenty of opportunities for training and growth. Benefits package includes medical, dental, and 401k matching up to 6%.

Cons

Leadership can hold strictly to the company line without adaptation for creativity and employee input, which can lead to missed opportunities and stagnant growth. A leader who refuses to adapt to new ideas and perspectives from their team members can stifle innovation and limit the potential success of the company.

Additionally, this can create an environment where employees feel undervalued and demotivated, leading to decreased productivity and increased turnover rates. Effective leadership involves a balance between maintaining company standards and encouraging creativity and input from employees to drive positive change and growth.

AT&T has been forcibly reducing senior employee staffing levels, which has caused a void in specialized knowledge and experience within the company. This has resulted in a decrease in overall productivity and a loss of institutional knowledge, as new employees are not able to replace the expertise of those who have been downsized. Additionally, the reduction in senior staff has created a gap in leadership and mentorship opportunities for employees, which can lead to lower morale and job satisfaction. This can also lead to a higher turnover rate and a lack of continuity in projects and initiatives. Overall, AT&T's decision to reduce senior employee staffing levels may provide short-term cost savings, but it may have long-term negative effects on the company's performance, culture, and reputation.

Advice to Management

Leadership tends to manage with a book of rules, without consideration of navigating circumstances, which can be detrimental to problem-solving and creativity.

True leadership involves understanding the context, navigating the circumstances, and adapting accordingly. It is not enough to simply follow a rulebook; leaders must be able to think critically, analyze the situation, and come up with a unique solution that is tailored to the specific circumstances.

Successful leaders are those who are able to inspire and motivate their team while navigating complex situations and adapting to change. They are known for their flexibility, creativity, and ability to take calculated risks.

By doing so, they can guide their team towards success, achieve goals, and create a positive working environment.

Additional Ratings

Work/Life Balance
3.0
Culture and Values
2.0
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2.0
Career Opportunities
2.0
Compensation and Benefits
3.0
Senior Management
1.0

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