What was it like to work with Satya Nadella?

Working with Satya Nadella, as described by various former Microsoft insiders and his leadership style, paints a picture of a thoughtful, hard-working, and transformative leader. Here are some key aspects of what it was like to work with him:

Work Ethic and Technical Depth

Nadella is known for his incredible work ethic and technical expertise. He was described as a "very hard working guy" with "vast technical knowledge and expertise" who understands the products he oversees at a deep level34.

Leadership Approach

Unlike some senior executives, Nadella is not confrontational but rather thoughtful and cerebral in his approach to problem-solving. He is more likely to engage in thoughtful discussions rather than pounding the table with his fist3.

Decision-Making and Communication

Nadella advocates for active listening and clear decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of "listen[ing] more, talk[ing] less, and be[ing] decisive when the time comes"2.

Cultural Transformation

Under Nadella's leadership, Microsoft underwent a significant cultural shift. He promoted a "growth mindset" culture, transforming the company from a 'know-it-all' to a 'learn-it-all' environment where learning from mistakes and perceiving challenges as opportunities for growth were highly valued5.

Empathy and Psychological Safety

Nadella prioritizes creating a work environment where employees feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and admit mistakes. He believes in the importance of empathy, stating that it is crucial for innovation and for employees to do their best work25.

Inclusivity and Diversity

He championed a workplace where every voice mattered and every individual felt valued, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of his global team. This approach improved employee morale and led to more innovative solutions5.

Performance Expectations

Nadella is described as a leader who expects results and is willing to make changes if necessary. He is not hesitant to remove individuals who do not deliver or do not have the right skill set, but he also values getting the right people in the right jobs3.

Motivation and Energy

Nadella seeks to create energy around him and motivates his teams through passionate and inspiring leadership. He believes that emotional intelligence (EQ) trumps intellectual intelligence (IQ) in the long run and that leaders must be a source of energy for others2.

Overall, working with Satya Nadella involves being part of a culture that values continuous learning, empathy, inclusivity, and clear decision-making, led by a thoughtful and technically adept leader who is committed to transforming and growing the organization.