I imagine there are many stressful situations running a global technology leader like Microsoft. The complexity far exceeds most people’s ability to understand. We can try to understand the incessant decisions and trials that need attention, but experiencing them is the only way to genuinely understand.
For Microsoft chief Satya Nadella, last weekend brought more tension than usual. However, his reaction provided a masterclass in leadership in dealing with crises.
Internal power struggle affects key Microsoft partner
You may remember that OpenAI fired CEO Sam Altman more than a week ago. This unforeseen event triggered perhaps the most frantic week ever seen in technology, as stakeholders pressured the board of directors to retract this decision.
Initially, Altman’s return seemed likely during negotiations between the parties. However, the board surprised everyone by hiring former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear, while Microsoft extended job offers to Altman and other OpenAI employees interested in leaving. By Tuesday, 700 employees had pledged to resign if Altman was not reinstated and the board of directors did not resign.
Grace under pressure from a technological titan
OpenAI eventually rehired Altman, realizing that the company’s collapse was imminent without this move along with board rotation. Throughout the unrest, accounts described Nadella playing an instrumental mediating role.
This makes sense given Microsoft’s $13 billion investment in OpenAI to incorporate its technology into all Microsoft products. Given that OpenAI represents the foundation of Microsoft’s software strategy, Nadella would care deeply about this leadership crisis. His advocacy apparently influenced the board’s decision to reinstate Altman.
Focus on people over profits
Nadella’s statement following the resolution sums up what shareholders want to see: projecting control amid chaos. This strengthened Microsoft’s market value, which amounted to more than $2.8 trillion.
At the same time, there is outstanding leadership instruction in dealing with uncertainty. This OpenAI mess posed an existential risk to Microsoft’s trajectory.
But Nadella’s priority was people over profits. Thank employees for staying focused on the mission while serving customers and partners.
The most valuable lesson is that many things are beyond your control in times of stress. It is possible that Microsoft could have managed this contingency better.
However, you can direct your response. Nadella highlights the primacy of people. When we are in crisis, many factors remain outside our control.
But you can encourage your team to fuel disruption and stand up for what really matters: your collective mission, your customers, and your partners.
Nadella’s statement is intended above all to reassure. As a leader in the midst of instability, he provides stability so his team feels secure. You might think that emotions are distracting, but inspiring trust allows you to stay focused on shared goals.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn