Microsoft's Satya Nadella Feels Bad about Layoffs - Those Cut from the Team Probably Feel Lots Worse than That

Who or what public relations agency is guiding executive communications at Microsoft? Their employment should be reviewed.

Microsoft's head Satya Nadella decided to make the public statement internally that he, well, felt bad about the layoffs. This year there were 15,000 cut from the team.

Well, anyone who has ever lost a job, whatever the circumstances, knows those axed probably felt lots worse than Nadella. And, come on, what does he feel so bad about. Since the RIFs, the stock has surged. That reinforces his own job security and ups the value of his brand. 

It was not only saying that he felt bad. It was the way he said it. If he was trying to convey empathy he was way off. His presentation was erudite, not from the heart. For example, look at this:

“Progress isn’t linear. It’s dynamic, sometimes dissonant, and always demanding. But it’s also a new opportunity for us to shape, lead through, and have greater impact than ever before.”

The feel-bad and the explanation of strategy should have been two different talks. 

In my coaching, I help professionals make their communications move the dial forward on achieving their objectives. Not make them come across as tone-deaf.

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