Level and above is shining bright. You need people from outside of your Leadership And Talent Development Programs as that is where the cancer is developed and spread. Where are we importing talent from newer and faster companies? In fact we are getting rid of them like those that built HBO. The executives have this heading for a cliff and their direct reports simply say go faster. We are in big trouble folks.
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I had an AVP (Jeff M) who was more concerned about the fonts on a powerpoint than the actual content (only because he did not understand the content).... the fonts had to be a certain way and titles page numbers had to be in the exact same spot page to page.... my director and team would laugh and make fun of his fixation with pretty slides.... And of course when there was a presentation to senior vp level, the AVP would NOT present, because he didn't know what the heck was going on, he would be an audience member and ask fluffy questions.... NO VALUE ADD!
Playing the diversity card is total BS. The white man is just doing fine when it comes to senior management roles. Stoped hiring within in to stop the vicious cycle of years of poor learned behavior.
They quit promoting from within a while back. It’s a big circle jerk at the top these day as they rotate around level 3 and ups. Majority of those level 3+ wouldn’t get hired for a level 2 job due to lack of skills and technical knowledge. That’s a fact.
The only folks I see getting promoted aid in diversity numbers. Not saying some aren’t deserving, but I can’t say most are the best picks or have paid their dues. Don’t be a straight white guy is all I can say, you won’t go anywhere unless you are already in the level 3+ club.
“Bell Heads” in the truest sense. Clueless with oversized egos.
Cingular was very different and they stepped up with an entrepreneurial drive. They have lost their way big time in the last 10 years.
When 4/5 upper level people are yes men then you are in big trouble. In my experience I don't see many challenging their marching orders at all. Just get it done and check it off.
... "failure is complete"
... "destroying value"
... "digesting one failure after another"
... "tardy to the dance"
... "wreckage to retirees".
I get it. Unfortunately, and I share your concerns.
Your critical commentary questions whether the "T's" glass is half full or half empty. Management's glass is always full.
Your comments are fair and needed to be said. T's management reminds me of IBM - mañana management. I am not sure, whether they are capable of thinking strategically. It is sad and frustrating, They desperately need "top quality" management at the highest level. Money management is reactionary. Everything about AT&T is old school.
RIP AT&T
It's always nice to see companies that promote from within. But in AT&T's case, this is a recipe for disaster. Leadership at this place are a bunch of unimaginative, incompetent butt-smoochers completely lacking the slightest hint of common sense.
They are steering this ship full speed ahead into iceberg territory.