Nepotism is such a major component in our group. It doesn't matter how talented someone is or how good they are at their job, only those who are favored are given special treatment. Management makes it very clear who are their favorites. Management only asks certain direct reports to go with him to lunch or walk to Starbucks. Management never asks any other direct reports to do these things. Nor does he even try to get to know his other reports. Certain projects are given to those that are the favorites. Also, the only opinions that matter are those of the favorites. If a senior-level person offers better solutions, the boss will only listen to his favorites (even if they have a lot less experience and offer a worse solution). Basically, you only matter if you're in the boss' clique. This really creates low morale and division within the group.
The leadership is very lacking. It's good that management is not micro-managing us, however, management is so hands off, that we are given so little direction.
There isn't much room for growth. During my annual reviews, I'm given very little direction on how to grow within the company. It doesn't seem that my boss wants to help me grow and increase my skills in any way.
Overall, there is a lack of women in leadership roles in Software Engineering. It doesn't really give women much motivation that they can grow within the group.
