"I'm Staying Here..."

Lots of discussion in the hallways this week about the Forbes article, Microsoft's Midlife Crisis.  Then, when I got to my mailbox at home, I saw this cover story in this week's BusinessWeek: Troubling Exits.  They include two articles, a Q&A With Steve Ballmer, and Meet Mini-Microsoft.   This story also is the first for BusinessWeek to podcast.  The inaugural audio features the writer who had an interview with Microsoft's own "deep throat," Mini-Microsoft." 

Of course, there's no story if the news isn't sensational, so some conclusions are based on the opinions of the most outspoken.  Still, the article brings up a few points that have crossed my mind, and have made it into conversations I've had behind closed doors (at least once or twice). 

More than one co-worker asked if I was mini-msft (emphatic no!).  This blog has always been a way for me (in my sometimes indirect way) to voice some of my personal frustration.   But unlike "mini," I usually choose to feature what's right with the company, highlighting when things go right.  You might accuse me of being a "Pollyanna," or of being too afraid to voice in public my complaints. 

I'm the first to admit that Microsoft has changed in the 15 years I've been around.  Of course, as any company grows, so does its bureaucracy.  As Microsoft grows into a global organization, we lose some agility.  As legal restrictions increase, our ability to innovate decreases.  But just as many things are much, much better (stock options aside). 

reasons to love Microsoft.

I think the article in BusinessWeek was a little unfair.  It generalized things that were unique to those interviewed, and it made the move of a few employees in a small department seem like thousands of employees are fleeing to Google en masse (though the article later points out that's not the case).  I see dramatic innovation in some areas, and stagnation in others.  I see ideas become reality more often than I see them die because of red tape.  And just like in "real life," I have low morale some days, and irrational exhuberance others.  There are things I'd change, but just like Kevin Schofield, I can think of lots of

Are there things Microsoft can improve?  Ya.  We need to continue to be creative to find ways to work collaboratively, without killing the ability to make quick decisions and get things done.  I can't imagine any company our size that wouldn't have the exact same problem.  We need to value diversity and reward employees and streamline processes and disband fiefdoms.   But what company doesn't have similar challenges? 

More than anything, I think that every employee should do what's best for them.  Hopefully that closely aligns to what's best for your company.  If it's not, find another job.  If your morale is low because your employer only pays for generic drugs, or offers raises at only slightly higher than most high tech companies, you should look for (or create) a company that better meets your expectations.  If you're in a job where your skills aren't leveraged in your job, find a job that does.  If your management is mired in slow-moving processes, or can't make decisions, help find solutions to the problem, or at least do your part to research your proposals so every question is answered before seeking management's approval.  Don't give them an excuse to delay a decision.

If you're not passionate about coming to work in the morning, and you can't wait to leave at the end of the day, start right now figuring out what you are passionate about, and make a plan to find a job that leverages that passion.  (Hint: if you don't know where to start, check with my friend, Curt Rosengren.)  I can't think of anything more dreadful that working with a team member (or boss or employee) who is apathetic about their job. 

Maybe I'm lucky to work with great people who love what they do.  And heck, somebody has to sell life insurance.  But life's too short to work with jerks.  And with the freedom most of us have to get education and change jobs, I'm amazed anyone feels like they're stuck doing what they're doing.