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International Olympic Committee

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Highly political, occasionally very nasty and bullying culture - Head of Integrated Communications International Olympic Committee Employee Review

2.0
Sep 25, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Obviously it's a huge buzz working for the Olympic movement. Also very nice offices, extra two months pay every year. Decent lunches and the possibility of travel to interesting locations.

Cons

A huge 'con' is that in many areas the place is absolutely rife with bullying. Some of the low-profile departments (IT, museum services etc.) are OK, and there are good people there. But there's no real protection for staff - no union, no HR process - it's just down to a manager's whim "Here's two months pay now get your bags." And sadly, this happens all the time. HR are downright nasty and certain departments (Communications, Sponsorship and Marketing) are mine-fields. Things were bad under Rogue, and have gotten worse under Bach. A lot of staff frankly aren't very bright, and there's a nasty 'waspish' atmosphere to the whole culture. Also - obviously - there's little to no career 'progression' because the organisation is to small and 'flat' for it to happen. You might get your bosses job if they retire or die. It pays to ask very, very pointed and searching questions at the interview stage. Too many people are awe-struck by the rings. Before accepting a role, look on Linked-In for some ex-staff and ask for a chat. Whatever you do, don't even think about relocating until you've survived a coupe of years and at least one Games (winter, summer or youth). Finally, you do need to be able to speak French. In theory you could get away in some departments without it (Sports) but without bullet-proof support from the President you'd be sidelined and very quickly mobbed-out.

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Cons

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Pros

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Cons

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3
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