Joyce has posted this article on BB. It makes a very interesting read. The same article can be accessed on the web at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/opinion/04brass.html?th&emc=th
It is sad to note that even in a new age corporation like Microsoft, internal rivalry between established BUs is slowly but surely killing off the innovations. The article is authored by ex Microsoft executive and thus gives a first hand view of the malaise within Microsoft.
The senior execs within Microsoft seem to be resisting change and more interested in perpetuating status quo (i.e) keep milking profits from Windows and Office products. Perhaps the execs running the WIndows and Office products BUs have become so powerful that grown so cozy in the status quo that it is cluding their judgement regarding future of Microsoft.
I see this as a failure of the CEO and the board. The organizational inertia and internal politics is killing them. Time seems to be ripe for a reorganization to save this one time icon of innovation from sliding into mediocrity and eventual demise.
The lesson is no to get too cozy in the current slot and constantly keep evolving. Beware of the people who propound status quo.
Rememeber what the legendary founder of Intel Andy Grove said -- "Only the paranoid survive". Innovate while you have the time, gain the first mover advantage and enjoy (for a short time) the success from it.
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The article was an eye-opener on how politics, egos, and negative competition is the difference between an innovative company and one (Microsoft) that is quickly losing business and may not fully recover.
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