Below is a letter written to the Fortune 500 Board.

“Good day to you all, it’s been a while. 

Funny story, I just received the year end Thank You card signed by all the managers dated November 2019.  This prompted me to send this email I should have sent the week I gave my notice.

Most people just leave the company and that’s the end of the story. I think its important for this company to know why people really leave, since I was not called or even asked why I left the company.  As the saying goes, People don’t leave companies, people leave managers, and that is my story. 

Before I go on, I wanted to say it has truly been my pleasure working with you all during my role as Process Designer, and I still hold this company in the highest regard.

To level set, I began my career in 2011 as a very successful lending officer, pursued and received my MBA in 2017, came back after a site closure, and relocated to Charlotte to begin a new chapter as a Process Design consultant. In my head, this company was where I was going to retire.

It’s never easy making a major move alone to a new city for a new job but I did it.  However, it became apparent to me I was a bit more invested in the company, than the company was in me.

This new position I planned for and worked towards, came with no training and had a newly assigned manager, and I had hoped this move would workout in reality as I had envisioned in my head, but alas, that was not the case.  I came in every day, learned something new everyday and did my best, but it soon became clear, this was not going to work out long term.  At first I thought it was me, but soon realized through conversations with my partners, it most certainly was not me.  Getting off the elevator at 1 BAC, the words to our mission statement are emblazoned on every wall, however to the organization I joined, these were just that… words.

About a year ago, I felt as if I was being guided down a dark path, and as to not risk all the changes I’ve made for the company, I decided to engage a leader with my initial concerns. He offered to help, and even tried to opened doors for me, he seemed to be the only manager who was interested in my plight.  I did get an interview, and during my face-to-face interview, I was literally told by the hiring manager that I was “qualified for three positions, which one would you want to focus on?”  I got excited thinking about moving out of the organization and advancing, then I was completely ghosted. I can only assume my direct “manager” played a part in this new-found lack of interest. So, in a nutshell, I did my best to try to alter my trajectory early on, to no avail. The system is broken.

Of course, you’ll hear stories that I just wasn’t performing, not a good fit, being bitter because I received a DNM, and you can choose to subscribe to whatever theory seems most believable. The fact is, it was retaliatory. I asked for help when I saw the writing on the wall, worked for a manager who lacks most all managerial skills, and was part of an Organization that has a level of turnover that rivals our Presidential administration. It was known that I wanted out of the Org, but the managers would not allow me to move, they just wanted a tenured, dedicated, educated, experienced and talented employee… out.

The indifference was deafening, and I heard it loud and clear.

In all, I spent two years dealing with a “manager” who provided me with zero positive reinforcement, who used (almost verbatim) topics that I had brought up during our one-on-one meetings against me in both my mid-year and annual review, which was disheartening. There’s nothing worse than working for a manager that only knows, what they’re told. I.e. “I asked my workgroup for help on…" equated to “you have other people do your work for you.” [that is literally in my file] The 10 minutes allotted for me to rebut (my managers) comments, was equally disheartening. Having been applauded by my peers and other managers, it’s difficult to come in to work every day and receive nothing but negativity, hostility, and (the managers) ever-so-charming accusatory tone.  I once stopped a meeting where I was being degraded to ask “then what are my strengths?”, and when (the manager) paused for about 20 seconds and came back with “you speak confidently”, I knew I was going nowhere. 

I’ve been blind-sided more times by (the manager, and their) “manager” than I can count, which was why I made the choice I did the day I did. On my calendar it was our scheduled as our weekly one-on-one, and then I was ambushed. I use quotations around the word manager, because I’m not sure at this point, either meet that definition.

In regards to (my managers) “manager”, who I feel is as belligerent and accusatory as the day is long, it’s obvious managed to get where he is only off the hard work of the talented people below him, (or by hiding in his office and only speaking when spoken to, which is probably best because when he does open his mouth, it’s to ridicule and belittle the people below him).  He is hands down the biggest disappointment I’ve encountered at this company. Threatening Process Designers (HIS OWN PEOPLE) on his huddles (that we are required to attend for his “help and guidance”) or allowing a PD to work on a project for months with their entire workgroups, then present their work for him to only eviscerate the work and demean the designer?  How a company like this one allows their management staff to create this type of hostile work environment, and then demand their over-worked PD’s who regularly work into the night, to be productive is disgusting. 

“Work Life Balance…” as I said previously, to this Organization are merely words.

It was surprising to learn that upper management HAS BEEN AWARE of this behavior for some time, and has decided to turn a blind eye.

I only made it as long as I did because the people I worked with on a regular basis, which were always helpful, complimentary and all around wonderful partners. They are an amazing collection of talented, compassionate and worthy associates. 

With all of that said, I’m sure some of you will enjoy my honest reflection, some will take offense, and most will dismiss it. My goal here is to educate and open some eyes. There are others in the same boat as me, and it breaks my heart that I’m told they can’t leave “because of the benefits”. At this point in my life, I’m done playing games.

My career at this company is over.  

So, as the saying goes: “Knowledge is power, when shared”, consider my knowledge shared.

I wish you all the best and a wonderful future.”

(Identity withheld for protection)