IBM

Working at IBM is like getting another master's degree. There is so much opportunity to learn in this company, and in general, the willingness of senior technical leaders to teach (and of managers to support such education) is remarkable.

Although organizational politics will sometimes create barriers, the potential of this large, talented organization can be incredible when focused & engaged on a goal. IBM also seems to be one of the leading firms in terms of "walking the talk" on work-life balance.

While extensive use of work/life integration tools may be seen by some as stepping off the career fast-track, it is widely used, and the level of flexibility in many divisions/organizations is quite high compared to peer firms.

Bureaucracy is incredibly high.

People often compare it to the US military or other such government bodies.

There will be six levels of approval for a $250 purchase.

There are layers upon layers of executive management.

At any given time, at least one other IBM division will be designing a product that competes with yours.

Find a way to inspire the company again. This company can be like a sleeping giant – we're using only a small portion of our potential for impact.

Focus the strategy – we have so many initiatives across the portfolio, and it's hard to get passionate about a strategy that seems to come and go.

Find ways to make employees proud of their company and their compensation package – we often see that we're giving just enough compensation to keep people from leaving, not enough to really keep them happy or satisfied.