I’m concerned that a significant challenge at TIAA is the lack of constructive disagreement in our culture. From what I’ve observed and heard, there appears to be a top-down directive approach where decisions flow in one direction without meaningful dialogue. There seems to be limited opportunity for thoughtful debate or questioning of strategic decisions. Functions like Communications, HR, and Marketing—which bring valuable expertise and perspective—appear constrained in their ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions that affect employees and participants. Instead, there may be a culture where concerns about potential consequences discourage candid input.
I’m curious whether others feel they have genuine space to respectfully challenge ideas within their teams and with leadership. I’ve worked at organizations that intentionally created forums designed to counter groupthink and actively sought diverse perspectives, which consistently produced stronger outcomes. Without the ability to engage in constructive disagreement, we risk limiting innovation and creating frustration among talented professionals who have insights to share.
I wonder: Do people at the Executive Committee level and throughout the organization feel empowered to voice alternative viewpoints? Are we fostering an environment where the best ideas win, regardless of hierarchy, or are we inadvertently limiting our potential by relying too heavily on unidirectional decision-making?
9 replies (most recent on top)
I’ve seen exactly the same—numbers being fabricated (not reported externally) in ways that affect executive compensation, and people who raise concerns getting pushed out. I thought this was only happening in the M&C org, but there’s clear evidence of nepotism, favoritism, and hiring people who are extremely incompetent and have no clue what they’re doing.
No, there’s no room for this at TIAA or Nuveen. Not only have I experienced this but I’ve also heard it from colleagues that are just below the EC in the org chart. If you disagree you go, and many have been fired for even the smallest disagreements. Folks that have been high performers, risen the ranks, and works at the firm for 20-30 years have been let go since T took the helm over slight disagreements. This is not a form to grow at anymore. As other have said, choose a path - stay at TIAA, keep your head down and collect your average bonus (whatever that may mean in the new bonus scale), or two, get experience and title promotions as quick as possible and hope to greener pastures.
@wx we have to expose the failings of the Board, Executive Committee, and CEO whatever the cost will be for the greater good !
This is an excellent post and spot on correct. Well reasoned and calmly presented. For the other posters here who think it’s off the mark or that it’s better to keep your head down and say nothing, allow me to let you in on a little secret. The $97 million dollar settlement in 2021 and all the damage to come from it was 100% avoidable. Had it been possible to point out the inherent and ubiquitous regulatory problems in IAS without getting harassed, terminated and destroyed, then none of it would have happened. No New York Times articles. No New York Attorney General subpoenas. No SEC complaint. No investigation. Unfortunately, professional dissent, discussed in good faith, was not tolerated or permitted. You are living the results now.
Not sure what world you’ve been living in but TIAA is like every other financial services company. Yes you may have ideas, but sometimes it’s best to keep your head down, be quiet and just do your job.
I’d like to keep my job and get my “average” review each year.
They could say elephants fly and I would agree.
This is a sinking ship and I can’t change that.
We have broken leadership at the top. The survey results are all nonsense.
100%. If you are candid, everyone looks at you as though you were growing a second head.
Your assessment is correct and it will never change.
@OP this is old school corporate america. My way or the highway. When a company is in crisis like TIAA, dissent is seen as the enemies propaganda.