GeekMBA360

I heard today that Microsoft had another round of layoff.

I’m not surprised.

I live in Seattle and I’m surrounded by people who work in Microsoft.

In the past 6 years, I knew only two people who told me they love working for Microsoft. I thought they’re either stupid or crazy.

I do have some very intelligent and capable friends who work there. But, they don’t work there because they love Microsoft. They have specific career goals or personal financial goals. Microsoft is stepping stones for them to achieve their goals.

I also met some Microsoft lifers – people who have been there forever. I notice several patterns:

1. they know very little about the world outside Microsoft
2. they think Microsoft is the center of technology universe
3. they know very little about non Microsoft technology
4. some of them are really arrogant for no reason
5. they’re afraid of leaving Microsoft. They’ve developed unhealthy dependency on Microsoft
6. they’re provincial
7. they feel really good about themselves

As a resident of the greater Seattle area and State of Washington, I want to see a stronger and more innovative Microsoft.

I also want to see a stronger Microsoft to put up a tough fight against Google.

Unfortunately, it’s just not happening unless Microsoft

• Cut much more fat
• Fire Steve Ballmer and bring in someone who is a world-class technologist and a world-class manager
• Take a chapter from Jack Welch’s playbook – focus on business lines that it can achieve the #1 position, and get rid of the unprofitable businesses such as Windows Mobile