Hit Refresh

by Satya Nadella

I realized that in a successful company it is as important to unlearn some old habits as it is to learn new skills.

Any institution-building comes from having a clear vision and culture that works to motivate progress both top-down and bottom-up.

When we talk to customers, we need to listen. It’s not an idle exercise. It is about being able to predict things that customers will love.

We learn about our customers and their businesses with a beginner’s mind and then bring them solutions that meet their needs.

A manager can be demanding, but must also have the empathy to figure out what will motivate employees.

Likewise, an employee is right to put his or her head down and work hard, but they also have the right to expect a pathway to greater responsibility and recognition when they do. There must be balance.

Reasoned judgment and inner conviction are what I expect from myself and from the leaders around me. Make the call, but don’t expect consensus.

Openness begins with respect—respect for the people at the table and the experiences they bring, respect for the other company and its mission.

Employees. Customers. Products. Partners. Each element needs time, attention, and focus if I’m going to create the value for which I am ultimately accountable.

Some early supercomputers ran on around 13,000 transistors; the Xbox One in your living room contains 5 billion.