#HitRefresh - Authentic Relationships Matter
Satya Nadella, our CEO, just published Hit Refresh. It is part personal story, part reflection on Microsoft’s own transformation and the future of technology and, perhaps most importantly, part tribute to the idea of leading with empathy.
I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy and quickly settled in for an enlightening read — and I am glad I did. The title is a clever play on something we all do multiple times a day, but it extends the metaphor to suggest that hitting refresh is required for people and organizations looking to make sustainable impact.
It took me a while to understand why this idea resonated so strongly for me. The book got me thinking about my own “hit refresh” moments and how they have shaped who I am today. On a personal level, my mother’s passing more than 10 years ago stands out as a clear hit refresh moment. Her sudden death underlined the importance of striving to live in the moment because we will never have a second chance to experience what is happening around us right now.
For me, living in the moment is the exact opposite of being a bystander to life’s ups and downs. Rather, it means seizing opportunities to develop and cultivate authentic relationships with others, whether on a personal or professional level. It is precisely those types of relationships that can be the most meaningful and illuminating, especially for leaders.
That is why I make every effort to make myself accessible and available to my team, whether for a one on one meeting or for feedback on an approach or strategy. I relish the chance to listen to people, relate to their point of view and put myself in their shoes because that ability goes hand in glove with empathic leadership, a central theme in Hit Refresh. Satya is known for setting a high bar for Microsoft’s leadership team. He expects clarity, energy and results, all of which, of course, take work to achieve. Most of all, though, they require a willingness to inspire excellence and bring out the brilliance in others, and that is where empathy and authentic relationships — with people on my team, with customers and with partners — make all the difference.
While some people and organizations have one hit refresh moment, others may have several. Whatever the frequency, an appreciation for these moments as personal and professional opportunities for self-reflection can be enormously helpful for leaders in any organization.
This post is part of the collection of #HitRefresh moments. Read more at www.hitrefreshbook.com
Who designed the book cover?
Listen, Learn and Lead
7 年Great commentary on the authentic relationship. I was also impressed by how he describe and practice what an authentic relationship looks like with a competitor
Software Engineer (Identity) at DevRev
7 年It's a great book - and a great reflection of Satya's character. I did summarize the book for anyone who is interested in having a quick look https://medium.facilelogin.com/bought-it-read-it-love-it-b9083e54f9a2
Passionate Evangelist for Pickleball and Technology (Not Necessarily Related...)
7 年One specific item this book really reinforced is the need for empathy in work and play. It only helps to make you a better leader, worker, and person.
My Hit Refresh moment occurred during a lunch meeting with you. I pitched you a program I created that would encourage more parent engagement in schools in support of STEM education. You said yes! You aligned me with an amazing mentor and leader, Lydia Smyers. While building this program I was extended way outside my skill set comfort zone and stretched and challenged intellectually beyond my personally perceived capability. The program just entered its third year and continues to be successful with the potential to impact 24k schools in the US!! You inspired excellence and Lydia brought out the brilliance in me which ultimately gave me the confidence to take on more big challenges, do great things and inspire excellence in others. I am forever grateful.