In my lengthy tenure at the bank, I have found ISS to be a vile sycophantic ecosystem of bros and buds. Advancement had little to do with talent and impact but everything to do with who you came up with and the relationships you established with those in leadership roles. Understand, I have personally profited from this very system. That isn’t to say I am some authority on the matter, but it is germane.
Incompetence tends to increase your value to others. This is so other incompetent people can mask their own identity as part of a herd of imbecilic drones. If you are a top performer, expect to be used for their advancement. Your efforts won’t be lauded, some leader will plant their flag in the spotlight you created. Look for leaders who never recognize their team members, and you will find a list of the worst poachers, the people who act as a black hole and prove only to serve their desires.
If you find problems, you are better off doing nothing about them. Remember, using a flashlight in the dark lets everyone know where you are so they can target your flanks. You are better served by ignoring problems and gaps since no one wants to execute on their responsibilities. Leaders would rather have zero problems than protect our customers or enterprise. So when you do find problems you are the one will be tasked as the fixer.
Building large uninspiring teams is the norm and goal of many, if not most, leaders. As you gather empty headcount, you prove your value. There is no real reason to have a successful team because accountability doesn’t exist. The most important expectation of team members is being alive so that the headcount doesn’t drop. Spending money on useless engineers and analysts is preferred over technology since it supports team growth, which, you guessed it, promotes the unleaders.
Lastly, do you satisfy this remarkable trio: your office cube exists, you are a security practitioner, and you work in the Queen City? Boy, are you in luck! Every few years, they will drop millions to build an already perfectly functional space. Your 1 year old monitors will be replaced with newer monitors so big you can catch a tan while you vegetate. It will be your dream come true.
PS - Ensure you get that Flex Perks card; you will never regret it.