I know it’s time for me to go. I’ve lived enough cycles of insanity to know I can’t change it. The problems i see are systemic and gigantic and not based solely on individuals. However, there are people and styles that, without purging, will always stand in the way of recovery and success. The question is whether there is any way to tell this story without burning bridges or inciting retribution from these very personalities.
9 replies (most recent on top)
If you leave, stay positive when you exit. Particularly if you stay in the toy industry, you never know whom you’ll see at another toy company (and word gets around). I’ve worked at other companies before and after Mattel, it’s not as bad out there. Mattel now, from what I hear, is not investing in the most capable staff, instead they value and promote a certain profile that’s main trait is
obsequiousness. People are in management positions who lack the appropriate training and credentials. Mattel could be so much more successful if they invested in the true talent and wouldn’t have to have lay offs so frequently. The current toy industry has been trained by Mattel. At every toy company there’s a significant number of ex-Mattel people: those who left willingly and those laid off. So short-sighted.
After I left, I found a lot of love and appreciation. Collaboration. You can find something better, if you change your shopping criteria. Staying in a bad relationship makes you less. Your personality, your contributions, your life. It just takes work to uncover a good spot, however. And a move out of a geography, perhaps.
It's easier to get rid of the people who complain, than to deal with the one problem employee that noone can get along with.
Run! As fast as you can and dont look back! Anyone that says “Its like this everywhere” has tasted the cool-aid and has never had another REAL job in their life! This place is chaotic, mo–nic and my personal favorite, toxic. Mattel will fail and it will be glorious to watch the freshly dry cleaned egos go with it!
If you think it’s going to be better at another company you’ve got a rude awakening ahead. I’ve worked at many places and Mattel is so far the best. Try working at a company where the CEO thinks the pandemic is a hoax and makes someone go to an in-person meeting despite being in quarantine after being exposed.
Take heart. You must have integrity to be leaving and still care. Someone will be lucky to get you. Don't look back.
Well your exit interview with HR will have zero bearing on how the company is run in the future. But why keep bridges you wouldn't want to cross again? Why not let go of that frustration and say what you want to say anyways.
I know what you want to hear. But the answer is no. Think about it this way. If you don’t have a co-worker or mentor to whom you can direct this question instead of bringing it here, then no, you can’t trust anyone to champion your insight. The empowers have no clothes.
No. They don’t want to hear it. Difference of opinion is not wanted. Droning on in the exact same manner, with great self-importance and no urgency, is the preferred tune of the death march.