A Steve Ballmer Job Interview
How
To Make A Microserf Smile: "Ballmer decided he needed a new human
resources chief, someone to help improve the mood. Rather than
promoting an HR professional or looking outside, he turned to perhaps
the most unlikely candidate on his staff, a veteran product manager
named Lisa Brummel. When Ballmer floated the HR job in April, 2005,
Brummel said: No way. But Ballmer wasn't about to take no for an
answer. Picking up a traveling golf putter, the Microsoft chief started
taking it apart as he barreled around Brummel's office, hammering home
why she was the perfect candidate. As an outsider unsullied by HR
dogma, he said, she'd bring a fresh approach. Besides, Ballmer argued,
Brummel was hugely popular and had the people skills to get the job
done. The two went back and forth, with Ballmer slapping Brummel's
whiteboard for emphasis and Brummel parrying with: 'But I love doing
products.' After more than two hours, Ballmer ended the meeting. By
then the putter was in pieces. 'Sorry about the golf club,' he said.
Brummel was deeply conflicted ...."
Deeply conflicted? I'll bet. My goodness. I'm just trying to imagine McNealy or Schwartz whipping into my office and breaking my golf club on my white board. I'd be deeply conflicted, too. Never happen, I know. You'd never find a golf club in my office. Or a CEO, actually. But these Microsoft slice-of-life stories never cease to amaze me. What's a "traveling golf putter" anyway?
Deeply conflicted? I'll bet. My goodness. I'm just trying to imagine McNealy or Schwartz whipping into my office and breaking my golf club on my white board. I'd be deeply conflicted, too. Never happen, I know. You'd never find a golf club in my office. Or a CEO, actually. But these Microsoft slice-of-life stories never cease to amaze me. What's a "traveling golf putter" anyway?
Upon learning that she took up a post at Novell instead, he threw a chair at her.
Posted by ethana2 on September 02, 2007 at 08:34 AM JST #
After which she downloaded the latest Ubuntu ISO and stored it on the network share for the entire departement to admire.
Posted by David Vasta on September 06, 2007 at 07:42 AM JST #
Big, fat, ugly, stupid Jewish guy threatening a stupid bitch who doesn't know what she's fucking doing. Based on my experience with Microsoft's hiring practices she hasn't changes shit only created more nasty skunk.
Posted by mo wandan on September 30, 2007 at 05:13 PM JST #
^^^
The comment by "Mo Wandan" is right on the point, Microsoft has already sunk into the pits of Hell for talent acquisition. Trying to keep zombies motivated by who are incompetent, lazy, untrained, and with poor work ethics requires more than that lady. Microsoft needs a massive layoff to get rid of the dead weight, and get rid of most products.
Posted by baby eyes on October 27, 2007 at 02:32 PM JST #