The Microsoft Culture and lessons for partners
- Michiel van Vliet -
Business Transformation, Cloud Technology, Private Equity - Microsoft Platform and Ecosystem Expert - Ex. MSFT - IAMCP Strategic Partnerships
As we are getting closer to launching our book we are sharing some pieces just to entice readers. In chapter 4 we want to give a feeling for the Microsoft culture and the impact that Nadella is having on that culture so that you as a partner can understand how best to engage with Microsoft. We will discuss things like the (in)famous stack ranking system and day to day work culture.
Conclusion
Microsoft is on a path to a culture change driven by Nadella that is about being open, inclusive and focused on a growth mindset. Key external examples of that can been seen since Nadella took over leading to a completely different outside view of Microsoft. Internally however Microsoft comes from several decades of a culture honed by Gates and Ballmer which was extremely focused on outcomes, being smart, prepared, having all the answers and playing politics. This is changing however culture change in a company of the size of Microsoft is not an easy and quick process.
Lessons for Partners
Microsoft employees are very busy as there is a lot of bureaucratic overhead involved working in a multinational company and specifically within Microsoft still. They have to focus on customers and partners but have a lot of internal reporting to do. Don’t waste their time. Be concise in what you want.
No matter how big or important you think you are many Microsoft employees assume that what is good for Microsoft is good for you. Keep that in mind when they announce the next big program or campaign. Evaluate it on the merits for you.
Understand the scorecard of the Microsoft organization and the people you work with and try to find win-wins.
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6 年Excellent clarity on the direction, intent and progress at Microsoft. I look forward to your book. Having the exceptionally close experience working with #Microsoft leaders through the FY18 reorg, the influence and vision from Nadella and team has catapulted Microsoft to a position of high innovation and a model for the #futureofwork.