Sleepless in Seattle: The Microsoft culture

Microsoft, the company which changed the software world forever, produced three billionaires and 12,000 millionaires from its employees and now has around 90,000 employees and 60 MBA interns for the summer. I could talk for a whole day about the culture of the company which can be consider as an 18 wheeler, but I would start with one word - intricate !

The dictionary define 'intricate' as difficult and complex, and there is no better word to describe a company that is actually 7 different companies (divisions) with their own agenda, fighting over the attention of the CEO. In the last couple of years, Steve Ballmer (CEO) did some re-org that put the technical people (engineering background) at the top of those divisions and reduced the internal fighting almost to zero. Although the willingness to look unite, the internal structure and culture of every division is different and mainly defined by its president.

In general I could say that the culture in Microsoft is very open - since I has a vast hi-tech background it is like returning home, to the open door of your peers and managers (in all levels), to the flexible hours of work, to the open mind for new (sometimes crazy) ideas and opinions and the casual approach to the working environment (jeans and t-shirts). I was lucky to be able to work and communicate with people from all over the company and to understand that there are three major pyramids in the company - the main one is the engineering (the heart and soul of the company), the business (the head of the company) and the field (the arms and legs of the company).

                                                                              Talk to you soon,
                                                                                             Barak.

Getting to know the company and the people

I have spent 2 weeks with this engine maker in the very center of USA. At this point of time, I really want to say that it is a great company. 2 speeches by the CEO and president of the company really impressed me by their honesty and open mind.
First, I never believe that any single company is perfect while many of company leaders would say the good things about the company and minimize the part that should be taken care of. This time, it is not the same, the good part of the company is backed by solid facts. The hard time it experienced is reinforced and recorded for future reference.
Second, it is a US company. I did not see many US companies that believe in foreign leaders. I think I can understand it. I probably do the same if I were a leader of a Chinese company operating in China. It is different again. Talents from any counties are appreciated here simply because they are equally treated. Shortcomings and advantages are both recognized.

Out of the work, I hung out with the interns here. Most of the people are great while I can see some biased attitude towards individuals. I hope this internship experienced can change people's mind and attitude.
Although it is a little boring in such a small town/village, the interns are trying their best to have a good summer. Yesterday, we planned to go bawling, but it closed at 9:00PM. We then decided to go to the most popular place for hanging out, Walmart.................. Although it was pretty interesting an experience, I do not want any of my friends in Shanghai know that I did spend my leisure time in Walmart. I hope that I can find something good to do this weekend. Probably I will check out Indy. At least, it is a city.