What signs do you look for that a company is going down in flames?
I’ve seen obvious ones in previous companies like layoffs etc but what subtle things can you be in the lookout for?
GlenRoss
Signs a company is failing
30
When Glassdoor reviews get mentioned in an All Hands meeting + the CEO “encourages” ppl to write 5* reviews
yes! run when you hear this
Definitely a bit of a red flag
I don't agree with this tactic at all, however I also don't believe this is a sign a company is failing.
New hire onboarding/new trainer/etc could've been implemented that wasn't previously available, which in turn would affect GD reviews.
New hire onboarding/new trainer/etc could've been implemented that wasn't previously available, which in turn would affect GD reviews.
Yup
OMG I lived that. Unfucking believable that the HR Fembot went around and told everyone to right a nice review and then she'd check and bug ppl when they hadn't.
No clear plan from management. Everything is reactionary instead of proactive. Also, as money gets tight the comp plans will change to make it harder to earn commission
"Everything is reactionary instead of proactive." Huge indicator right there!
Great call on comp plans
Definitely this
Yup
Startups sadly are only in 1 of 2 stages: growing or dying.
if you look around and aren't completely sure it's growing, it's dying. 🤷🏽♂️
if you look around and aren't completely sure it's growing, it's dying. 🤷🏽♂️
Daaaaaamn...
So many things. No clear structures. NDA for salaries. Having to bargain on your starting base salary. Hiring externally - especially advisory firms. communication gaps between depatments. HR being Finance.
NDA for salaries. ooof
big oooof - it's 100% real. If you tell ppl how much you make then you're violating the NDA and bye bye.
As soon as I heard this, I'd be out.
Ofc! that's crazy - that's a sign that the ship is sinking.
Yikes!
when HR is driving the ship with employee engagement surveys and fluffed glassdoor reviews
I meet with businesses everyday where their HR loves the surveys, especially through Covid & WFH. They see this as a way to know what the employees want, and make appropriate changes for their future. This is a positive in my eyes, although many times the employee's don't know what is best for them.
All that's been previously mentioned + increasing demands without raising salaries. ie: cheapening the ingredients and raising the prices.
The company sign has a light out
When the snacks stop being free
When the jr execs who helped grow the company with their sweat, blood and tears are scapegoated by upper management for stagnant quarters well outside of anyone's control.
If they've been trying to raise a round for a year and it still hasn't happened
misalignment w management
When the chairman plays solitaire on his Ipad during the entire board meeting. Not making this up.
Company has $40.32 in the corporate bank account.
Zero sales and pipeline
When the Cliff bars turn to Nature Valley bars
When Glassdoor reviews get mentioned in an All Hands meeting + the CEO “encourages” ppl to write 5* reviews
When executives start leaving on their own.
When the "north star" keeps moving.
Basically what everyone said and if they stop developing their own product/service
No more unlimited La Croix and the disposable coffee cups get smaller.
Paycuts, uncertainty with no product roadmap and product demand stagnation
When the CEO launches a culture overhaul and rewrites the mission statement. It's a toss-up after that.
When the boss gives you a hard time because you placed a $57 Office Depot order when "you could've just gotten office supplies from Dollar Tree."
When the cold brew machine hasn't been restocked in 7 weeks 🥲
The whole C suite changes. Then VP’s get fired. Then you get fired. (True story)
When Glassdoor reviews get mentioned in an All Hands meeting + the CEO “encourages” ppl to write 5* reviews
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