Standout traits of best-led companies
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | May 15, 2024
A good CEO alone isn't enough to run a successful company - it takes an all-star leadership team. We set out to find companies with exceptional leaders who are redefining the employee experience for our Best-Led Companies list.
We uncovered the common traits among the movers and shakers at these 50 companies:
- Embodying the company's mission and exemplifying the culture
- Practicing consistent, transparent communication - especially during times of uncertainty
- Being accessible and visible to their teams
- Taking care of their employees
Of course, the quality of those at the top of any company matters greatly. They set the tone for company culture, which is a critical element of the employer brand.
Let's take a closer look at what employees are saying about the leaders at the top three companies on the 2024 Best-Led Companies list: Bain & Company, Databricks, and Protiviti.
Companies with the best management
Research shows trust in senior leadership is a leading factor in long-term employee satisfaction. We used Glassdoor's Review Intelligence™ to analyze millions of employee reviews. Here's what we discovered the best-led companies are doing to earn that trust.
Bain & Company, headquartered in Boston, is one of the largest business consulting firms, serving clients around the globe. In Glassdoor reviews, employees say the leadership team supports growth and professional development, excels in open communication, and inspires the company.
One current Bain employee raved that Bain has "strong upward feedback systems that impact leadership compensation," while another highlighted the "thoughtful leadership team, caring teammates, and great development opportunities."
Bain's current CEO is Manny Maceda, though he will step down in July 2024.
A notable trait at Databricks, the San Francisco-based data and AI company, is that all of the founders are still at the company after 10 years. Employees say they are "still some of the hardest working people in the company and always on the road creating awareness and building relationships with C-level executives and board members."
Databricks reviews note the "rock solid C-suite," and one employee described CEO Ali Ghodski as the "most engaged CEO I've ever seen."
Employees at Protiviti, a Bay Area-headquartered global consulting firm, say that senior leadership is transparent and easily accessible, and gives employees the tools they need to succeed. One of the most popular tools is Inspire, a development program for Protiviti's senior leaders, including newly promoted and recently hired managing directors and senior directors.
In Glassdoor reviews, employees say that Protiviti offers flexible work arrangements, internal rotation programs, global mobility, and a sabbatical program.
Protiviti's CEO is Joseph A. Tarantino.
Leadership matters to employees
Thanks to millions of ratings and reviews, we know how greatly employees underscore good leadership. Glassdoor is in a unique position to celebrate companies that are setting the gold standard for workplace dynamics. The recognition of Glassdoor's Best-Led Companies is a testament to the exemplary leadership that goes beyond the chief executive officer. It is a collective effort of the whole leadership team working together to make the work experience something special.
Explore the 2024 Best-Led Companies list.
Glassdoor Team
Our team of savvy experts are here to help you, whether you’re navigating your career or working to make your company culture shine. Glassdoor has the unique insights and guidance you need to experience your best worklife. Stick around to learn how to prepare for an interview, negotiate your salary, develop DEI programs, engage your employees, understand the state of the job market, and more. Check out our community to share and learn from professionals just like you too.
