Whilst these things separately may not seem dramatic, over time, and coupled with each other (and coupled with many of the things other people have noted here), it does have a very detrimental effect. Now Im not posting this to necessarily ‘have a go at Stryker’ – I just think it is something they must be very aware of, and I think it’s something that people considering joining Stryker must be aware of . As they say, ‘Stryker is not for everyone’.

Bryan mentioned Stryker’s current logo/ambition – “to be the worlds fastest growing most admired medical device company”.

In my opinion this is probably their biggest problem and something I brought up in interviews summarising the reason I wanted to leave. A medical device company, whether orthopaedic or otherwise should be focused on the patient before anything else. Stryker have become fixated on growth which I don’t think will be good for business. If their focus was on improving patient care and outcome the growth would come.

And if you did your research you would find out that Stryker aren’t currently the fast growing and definately won’t be this year.

I had two years in Stryker, hitting my number in my first year and coming 3rd in the team second year but not hitting my number. Reason I left was a desire to change division to trauma and wanting the training Synthes provided.

Stryker employs very similar personality types which causes friction between work colleagues in competition with each other to stand out. For those that haven’t been through selection yet, you will be given a gallop profile test to complete which is a series of questions like, “are you resourceful, give a time in the last 3 months when you have been resourceful”. Your results of this test not only decide if you will be successful in getting a job, but will also determine how management see you. I was concerned in my role early on due to clashes with colleagues and spoke to my manager about it during a coaching session as felt it was going to effect career progression. I remember saying that I didnt think I was a fit for Stryker. My manager was pretty good at coaching and pointed out that I had the highest gallop score compared to team so I had nothing to worry about. I say this to emphasise the importance of this first gallop. Questions are all similar to the one I gave an example of. Just relax and try and give good examples from all parts of your life, present and distant past ensuring stuff from personal life and work life. Just thought of another question and my answer,

Gallop, “do you make back up plans?”
Me, “yes”
Gallop, “give me an example of a time you have had a back up plan in the last 3 weeks”
Me, “right now, I have an interview with Zimmer tomorrow”

I mention about conflicts, you’re going to have them if you work with Stryker. I had quite a few! My conflicts at the start were my own making, I had come from a small company and was pretty intimidated by the talent of those around me. I still had good ideas coming from a different background but probably came across as over confident and cocky which put some of the more experienced members of the teams backs up a bit. My approach was then just to keep my nose down and hit targets. Talking about targets though I did then still have a bit of a target on my head from some colleagues. I was set up for a big fall by a colleague. My manager, despite his very good abilities at coaching, had a pretty extreme temper reacted very quickly to a report from the colleague in question and exploded at me. I was on a “to be fired by the end of the day” list I’m pretty sure but was able to clear my name and show that I hadn’t done what I was being accused of.

That was probably the biggest set up, but there were others. Arguments are common, even with managers. My approach was to not be afraid to argue back. I even had an argument in front of my manager in front of his manager – sounds bad but was in the newsletter 2 months later for the good work I was doing. Arguments happen, but you’re judged on the work you do.

If you don’t work hard you won’t survive, if conflict upsets you deeply you won’t survive.

Despite the war zone like environment, Stryker has some brilliant qualities about it. Firstly the people. Taking the back stabbing, the dirty play, and conflicts aside – everyone in Stryker is an achiever. It’s a fast paced environment and being around such achieves brings out the motivation and focus in you too.

Secondly the organisation is very business savvy. Stryker want to win business more than any company I’ve come across before. Managers are very talented at working towards this business growth and will support you in what you need.

Pay – don’t need to say a lot, the rewards are there.

I think if anyone works for Stryker they will learn a lot about themselves, others and how to win business. It really is a fantastic proving ground and if you can stick it out a few years it will certainly help you in your career. I would ignore the comments from the recruiter that says she would never even look at a former Stryker employee as that is pretty uncommon. I hope if she reads this she has opened her mind a bit since writing that.

I hope that helps, sorry it went on a bit, just wanted to give a full picture. Good luck if you decide to join, make friends quick, work hard and watch your back.