My experience at ThoughtWorks (so far)

I came across a post written by a former ThoughtWorker and was intrigued by what I read. I've long known that two people can enter a small party and have two completely different experiences based on where they focus their attentions. The larger the party, the more likely the experiences will differ. More significant, however, is how the people themselves differ.

Damana talks of the ThoughtWorks I've come to love; A team of intelligent, talented, motivated individuals working together in an environment that encourages diversity, provides rich individual attention, encourages community involvement, and pushes each of us to continue to grow.

Damana also talks of another ThoughtWorks; A team of ego-driven elitists who lack compassion and fundamental social skills. Intellectual bullies who prefer manipulation over trust and who value the client far less then they do the elegant perfection of software.

I believe both ThoughtWorks exist. I know there are ego-driven elitists. I know there are bullies who prefer manipulation over trust. And I know there are those who value the elegant perfection of software over the needs of the client. I've met all of them at ThoughtWorks. I've worked with each of them.  But from my vantage-point, these people are in the minority. They certainly do not make up 75% of the people I've worked with; not even 10%.

In terms of changing the world, I know of no other software company who has "Social Responsibility" as a key part of their corporate values and employs an active "Director of Social Engagement". This individual's role is to get TW more involved in world events; to find ways to leverage our skills and strengths to make the world a better place. ThoughtWorkers volunteered their time to work on software that helps distribute aid in third-world countries. ThoughtWorks hosts events such as Pangea Day and is actively involved in other significant events around the world.

ThoughtWorks is, hands down, the best place I've ever worked. We are a diverse crowd. We come from all over the world with wildly different backgrounds and experiences. One should anticipate some tension amidst diversity, but ThoughtWorks is conscientious in their hiring practices and is intolerant of intolerance.

Damana and I spent time at the same party. We had significantly different experiences. And we are both right. For neither of us can articulate the "truth". Each of us can only share our perception; our interpretation.

There is one more thing Damana and I surely agree on:
"If you ever get to work at a company like ThoughtWorks then don't accept another job[...] it will change your life, your career and your soul."