There were no proper processes and channels which is normal in a startup, but they've been around for 15 years...it's important to stay flexible but at a certain point when everything is ad-libbed it affects the productivity of your business. People have to create new solutions for a problem that's occurred before, no knowledge transfer, use informal channels and politicking to raise awareness of and solve problems to get their work done.
Very silo'ed departments, disagreements on resources for departments and people not understanding or valuing what the other one does, everybody trying to be top dog.
A lot of the day to day seemed to revolve around some individuals making their work look/sound as important as possible...claiming as much credit as possible rather than just executing, and on the flip side of the same coin, passing the blame was a common pastime. It was all about appearances.
A lot of the image of prosperity and growth seemed to be a sham as the financial state turned out to be bleak.
Tenure seems to be the only logic for employees to receive promotions and raises. Weak performers do not have to be worried about job security as long as they joined early enough.
Salary was below market average, employees had to pay for health benefits, no RRSP contribution, no bonuses, location is extremely far from central Montreal.