General Electric

GE does the most important work in this world and gets very little credit and accolade for what it can and does achieve. You have electricity when you flick the switch; you have GE to thank for that. Greener energy? Those big windmills, guess who? GE that is who!

A lot of talented and smart engineers are in there. A lot of people are taking great pride in tackling the challenges out there.

No leadership and no career path, at least for the offices based in Scotland's central belt. You would think with such a large group, opportunities would abound. Sadly, no. Lots of silos, lots of infighting about budgets. Very rigid structures and frustrating "managers" to deal with. Some say it is because they are badly treated and therefore it trickles down. Well, over the years, I have met and kept in touch with various GE folks (some managers themselves) around the world, and the barriers I have experienced seem pretty localized. So much so that if you mention the name of the site I am based from, the reply from employees based elsewhere might often be: "Oh, I feel sorry for you."

Pay us what we are worth and grow everyone, not just the folks who like you and you happen to like or have lunch with. In other words, do actually reward on merit.