- XOM claims to have an open door policy and values our input. All lies. They only want to hear, what they want to hear. If you go against or question what is being done/said you will suffer the consequences. Radio talk shows, Ask Me Anything, and townhalls are a joke. It is sickening to listen to all the praise and a$$ kissing that goes on.
- Management loves to use the term 'leadership" all the time for themselves. We don't have leaders, we have yes men and followers. They can't even think for themselves and often have to refer to the company management playboook in order to give an answer, solve a problem, or get anything done.
- XOM does not value actual work. A PDS full of actual work, that has tangible results, adds value and keeps the business going or makes it better will not get you anywhere. They ones that get ahead do nothing but sit in meetings, workshops, make PPT presentations, and delegate work. They are worthless and add absolutely no value. They also take credit for the work that others did and put it on their own PDS as if they are responsible for getting it done. And when they aren't doing any of the mentioned activities they are surfing the net the remainder of the day.
10 replies (most recent on top)
Yes to the OP. Glowing reports from my customers and users of my knowledge and support. My management had no clue what I did or how to support me, nor wanted to, I wasn’t in the club. I was on my own in left field. I took retirement and lump sum option. Getting all my money out Nov. 1. Looking for a new job as I have a lot to give still.
Here is the bottom line. We all hope for change. I personally have been hoping for change for 20 years. It has not come. It has gotten worse. I know me hoping for change and it not coming and still working here is sad. I decided to post this for those of you earlier in your careers. Change is not easy and it is not fast. There is also no guarantee it will happen. I don’t think management believes there is a problem. Don’t waste your life away hoping it will change. If you don’t like working at XOM, you should work somewhere that meets your values. You have a choice.
As a consumer, you should educate yourself on what products O&G provides and if you want alternatives you need to ask for and buy those alternatives. You need to show there is demand.
@OP Kudos for an excellent summary. Every rational and intelligent person will agree to this observation.
The first two comments from @1kyu+16WbdftX and @1krm+16WbdftX can be ignored as these (among many others) are the ones have zero intellect to understand anything of value and lack critical thinking. Parrots are probably in some kind of low level non-technical positions and always got their way by suking up to their bosses.
@OP - it's funny. I read your post and immediately thought "I don't remember writing this!" I agree with you 100% - you have summarized 3 very valid problems, that have already been mentioned in other threads.
I do believe that not every area under the Exxon umbrella has sh–ty management or culture as described by the OP. But majority do. I've seen it in my own area and I've heard from countless coworkers in other departments who have similar complaints. Shockingly similar. Maybe the difference of opinion in the replies is due to some folks actually being lucky enough to work under good supervision. But that's absolutely not how it is in most of the company.
Best, most accurate description of mgt., Spot on! One more point to add, ...you are told to bring new ideas forward but none are ever objectively considered. The old school peeps just huddle together, usually at a company paid dinner with tons of drinks, chew the new idea up and shred the person who proposed it. Then it goes in the “we’ve” always done it this way, it ain’t happening” black hole. Even if the new idea would save money! Mind blowing.
So true. Too many managers creating PPTs to regurgitate other people’s work to upper management that have no clue what they are talking about. So much time spent doing “stewardship” rather than adding real value. When is the board going to realize the business will run just fine if more than 50% of Houston jobs were cut
OP - the two previous replies are way off-track (or have been 'on the track' too long).
Your 3-point summary presentation is the best I've seen in several years.
You don't really work for XOM, do you?
Cheeky!
A very sad summary ... what you outlined was not my experience and I’ve been in both senior management and technical leadership positions.
Ok- not sure what anger management classes you need to attend, but my input has always been appreciated and received well. It’s all about how you deliver the feedback- if you are angry and you rant, then expect zero uptake. If you are a bringer of solutions, then you have a supportive ear. I have seen far too many people just b–ch and complain, but never offer the words “how can I help you.” I’m guessing in listing your 3 reasons you never took any ownership in what YOUR role was.