Pros
I've never worked anywhere that has such a concentrated group of smart and passionate experts. People come to Mission Critical Partners from all walks of life, but mostly from being former practitioners - 911 telecommunicators, PSAP managers, state 911 directors, radio engineers, first responders. It's great to work with people that understand our clients' needs and requirements because we've been in their role.
Besides the great coworkers and their passion and dedication, positives of working at Mission Critical Partners include:
-- Amazing clients. We have the opportunity to support local, state, and federal clients who trust us to help them with their mission. Most of our client engagements have spanned many years and we have worked together through both highs and lows, strengthening our bond.
-- Transparency. The company is completely transparent. From Day 1, information has been shared from leadership and across the company that demonstrates the company's openness and the strength of the business. Staff know the priorities for the company and they are clearly communicated. Everyone knows how their role fits into the overall success of the company.
-- Strong Core Values. Most companies have a mission statement and perhaps a list of core values hanging up on the wall. What sets Mission Critical Partners apart from other companies is that our company lives its core values and that core values are part of the strategic planning and decision making process every single day. Our core values define us as a company and how we treat each other, our business decisions, and of course, the clients we serve.
-- Training. Simply put, Mission Critical Partners has demonstrated a strong commitment to training and professional development. Even during times where others within the industry have cut their training programs, our company has persisted to ensure that all staff have the tools and knowledge needed to tackle our clients' toughest problems.
-- Leadership Team. The owners have created the vision for the company and in partnership with the executive leadership team, work to carry it out. Weekly alignment huddles are bolstered by quarterly reviews and planning sessions, which are communicated across the company. Core beliefs are repeated and initiatives/commitments are aggressively pursued to successful completion. The leaders are approachable and genuinely care - working to solve problems rather than assigning blame.
Cons
-- Identifying and Hiring "A" Players. Mission Critical Partners has high standards when recruiting staff. Staff must be a good culture fit and there must be good, billable work before bringing folks on. Sometimes that presents a challenge of finding the right people at the right time.
-- Work/Life Balance. People are busy with their client and company responsibilities. Client work, travel for client meetings, supporting a conference, or pursuing new work, sometimes encroaches on family time.