Noble mission but poor management - Anonymous employee Water.org Employee Review

3.0
18 July 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some very committed, smart, staff who are great people. The goals are very fundamental and meaningful, and this could be very inspiring if the objectives were executed better.

Cons

The best people leave while the mediocre ones stay - some people are untouchable though no one understands what they actually accomplish, yet they stay due apparently to their personal relationships with senior management. Management does not tolerate different opinions from their own, no matter how professionally they are presented. It’s a cult of personality, with the CEO and President far more interested in showing up on stage next to Matt Damon and Bono than actually running the organization in an efficient, businesslike manner that makes effective use of donor money. So much money is wasted on studies and team building activities that dont deliver results to Water.org’s clients. There is also a complete lack of foresight and planning and a willingness to lose really good people.

Explore other reviews about Water.org

5.0
10 Oct 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This is a very collaborative team and everyone wanting to help each other.

Cons

With everyone being remote, not a lot of opportunity for small teams to gather and meet. Instead the focus is on big regional get togethers.

1
2.0
24 Sept 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

While there are mission-driven individuals within the company, this passion doesn't always translate into concrete results or the achievement of the organization's objectives. There seems to be a gap between the dedication of certain employees and the company's overall effectiveness in executing its mission. This can lead to frustration, as efforts don't always lead to meaningful impact.

Cons

While some employees are passionate about the mission, this does not translate into achieving the organization's objectives. Worse yet, the executive leadership, particularly the COO/CEO, displays a serious lack of professionalism. There are concerning issues related to racism and unethical behavior that seem to go unchecked. Corruption is present at the highest levels, and it undermines both the morale of employees and the organization's overall effectiveness. The toxic leadership culture makes it difficult for the company to reach its full potential, no matter how mission-driven certain employees may be

2
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All