it has so many of the hallmarks of a fat and happy private company that has tons of potential but just isn't playing to win anymore.
- You've got the CEO/owner taking a way out-of-market salary and having already earned FU money in his career, appears to be going through the motions
- You've got an impotent board which just isn't a factor.
- You've got the CEO's guys:
- You get introduced to his Chief Defensive officer and are told this guy is quite a card - a real throwback. You ask someone about how's he survived the string of failures and learn he's just simply a guy the CEO enjoys having around. Fact is, he reminds CEO of the good ole days and the men his dad coached with - an old school man's man who is filled with machismo and bluster. These are qualities the CEO cherishes and so having this guy at the office makes the CEO happy. And at this point, CEO feels he's got nothing left to prove so being happy is the important thing
- You've got the CEO's son - because, of course
- You've got the outside hire Chief Offensive officer who the CEO hired sight unseen a few years ago and gave him carte blanche. But did he really? You're not really sure what to make of this guy yet.
- Performance has been lackluster but there's no real sense of urgency. There's still atta boys all around, generous employee recognition actions, and of course, the extravagant oversea's team trips. Everyone just seems generally contented.
