Should Steve Ballmer depart Microsoft?
It’s the question on many people’s lips, including, it would seem, Microsoft employees.
The past week has seen more calls for current CEO Steve Ballmer to depart Microsoft. More calls from the ones that have somewhat plagued his tenure in charge since he took over the position from Bill Gates at the beginning of 2000. So, should Steve Ballmer go? Is it time for him to hand over to a younger man, a fresher face, someone able to drive the company forward?
Steve Ballmer has been criticized for his performance as Microsoft chief executive for much of his reign. Some think he’s too old-fashioned, others simply too old, others don’t like his tendency to put his foot in his mouth, others just want to see some major changes at the company starting from the top-down.
A week ago, David Einhorn, head of the Greenlight Capital hedge fund, openly called for the removal of Ballmer as CEO. Einhorn accused Ballmer of missing major product opportunities, notably in the tablet sector, and wasting money on needless acquisitions. All in all he blames Ballmer for the company’s downturn over the past decade.
The Microsoft Board immediately moved to back Ballmer, with all nine high-ups, including Bill Gates, supporting their man. Being the largest single shareholder Gates himself could bring Ballmer’s leadership to an end, but clearly still believes in the ability of his successor. Interestingly, some think Gates is the only man capable of leading Microsoft into the future.
While the opinion of Einhorn can be briskly swatted away, it’s a lot harder to ignore the opinions of Microsoft employees. And a new survey from Glassdoor (via GeekWire) suggests the majority of those have lost patience with Ballmer. His approval rating as CEO has dropped from 65 percent in Q2 2008 to a new low of just 29 percent in Q2 2011. Which really isn’t good.
I personally don’t think Ballmer has done all that bad of a job under difficult circumstances. But when you’ve lost the confidence of the people who work for and under you it’s probably time to clear your office and get out. The next question has to be, will Ballmer go gracefully or is this going to be a long, drawn-out departure?
Related Posts:
June 2nd, 2011
I hope he stays for the next te more years so Microsuck can continue its downward spiral to oblivion.
I hope they loose billions of dollars in stupid acquisitions & lost confidence & markets.
Which means the end of their long business monopoly & the rise of real competition from real innovators.