I write this as an open warning to read before joining. When you meet anyone at the Up Group (if you are considering joining), ask a few simple questions.
- What is attrition like? Answer - incredibly high. People are given about 3 months before they are written off. Or at least taken apart and made to feel like they aren't valued. But ask, and ask for figures.
- What is it like working with the CEO? The answer you will get is "Clare has really high standards" which translates to "No one is ever good enough to work with clients without complete micromanagement. "
What training and development is there? The answer will be that you learn on the job. The real answer is none.
- Tell me about the culture. You will hear how collaborative it is, and perhaps it's about work hard and play hard. In reality, there is little to no collaboration, and little to no support if you have any problems.
- Tell me about leadership. The reality is there is one leader. Clare, the CEO. Ask about senior leaders who have come and gone and why they have. There have been 3-4 Partner hires who have all departed to go to other search firms. Which is why the business is in a state of paralysis.