Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, would be a strong contender for the ‘#1 CEO’ award.  In 2014 he took a company that had “lost its soul” [his words] and transformed the way it developed products, earned its revenues, and managed its people. Today, after a 9x increase in its share price, Microsoft is the most valuable company in the world.

So what is the secret sauce? Nadella credits pulling off an audacious cultural shift at Microsoft. One that emphasises empathy for the customer, collaboration, and a growth mindset. Read on to learn more…

CADENCE CURATION 

VIDEO: Satya Nadella on Flexible Work, the Metaverse, and the Power of Empathy (31 mins)

In this wide-ranging interview, we get valuable insights into how Satya Nadella views the future of work and the imperatives of leaders. His views are refreshing! Well worth a listen if you’re interested in the rapidly evolving trends in how we collaborate, how new technology will change how we experience work, and the power of empathy as a leader and as a catalyst for innovation.

CADENCE TOOL-KIT

HOW TO FOSTER A ‘LEARN-IT-ALL’ CULTURE 

When Satya Nadella became CEO at Microsoft, he challenged the entire organisation to move from a ‘know-it-all’ culture to a ‘learn-it-all’ culture. This might seem like a small thing, but it’s probably the single most powerful example of ‘growth mindset’ at scale.

His approach was heavily influenced by Stanford psychology professor Carol Dweck’s pioneering work on growth and fixed mindsets. Fixed mindset = Look smart at all costs.  Growth mindset = Learn at all costs.

Would you like to foster a learn-it-all culture in your organisation?

1.  Consider your organisation’s current learning culture by asking yourself the following questions:

• Does your leadership team reinforce the need to learn? Do leaders model the behaviour they wish to see?
• Does your organisation create space and time to learn?
• Is time spent on skill development rewarded? What do the incentive schemes say?

2. Reflect on your answers. What one thing could you tweak to promote a learning orientation within your organisation or team?

ANY OTHER BUSINESS