12 Oct 2017
Morningstar Response
8yThis must be Bash the CTO month. As you know from what I've said, culture is perhaps the most important aspect of any organization. A culture built on trust, transparency, and accountability is what will win the day. One that brings out the best in others is one that ultimately innovates and thrives. Not everyone wants to change. Change is tough and we are in a season of change. I shared this quote from Thoreau with everyone recently. "Never look back unless you are planning to go that way." We cannot live in the past. We have to create a future that is better.
Culture is your responsibility as well as mine. I hear a lot of frustration in your review. You say that all the great technologists have left, but that is just not true. Have some left? Of course. But you're still here, right? I'm sure many of your colleagues might take exception to your comments because they are great technologists like you, they are here, and they are excited about their work. I know them. You know them, too. You certainly might speak for some, but I know you do not speak for all. We have over 1400 hard working technologists at Morningstar.
If there's bullying going on in your part of the organization, I want to know about. I am not a bully nor do I tolerate bullying if I know about it.
No leader is a savior. Like a coach, I have to make sure players are prepared and that I (along with other leaders) remove obstacles to success. At the end of the day though, it's the players who are on the field. If we're not winning, we have to work together on changing the game plan based in part on what the players are seeing on the field. We can only win together.
Speak to me directly because I am listening. You and I have an important role to play in creating a future that is better than the past you've reflected on.