Ballmer blasted for dismissing criticism

Former Microsoft executive Kai-Fu Lee has released an English translation of his autobiography, in which he accuses the company's current chief executive, Steve Ballmer, of contriving a dramatic speech with Bill Gates to silence critics within the company. Lee describes fond memories of Microsoft when Gates served as CEO, however Ballmer's leadership was said to be met with strong contempt from many employees.

Speaking at an executive meeting during Microsoft's antitrust dispute with the Department of Justice, one of the senior players in the company proclaimed that he was "hopelessly ashamed" of the company's strategies. The blunt comments reportedly infuriated Ballmer and pushed him to call on Gates to help quell the criticism.

Gates made an emotional speech the next day, claiming he still worked for Microsoft because he felt obligated to "fight those who call us a selfish monopoly that takes advantage of users." Lee believes Gates' emotions were genuine, however he suggests Ballmer manipulated the situation to silence internal critics rather than addressing the concerns.

After leaving Microsoft to join Google, Lee was met with a lawsuit from his former employer. The executive was said to be one of hundreds of individuals to depart the Microsoft's talent pool after the company lost its status as the most coveted employer in the tech industry.

"Microsoft had been the dream company for software engineers, but Google was stealing its limelight," Lee said. "Microsoft and Ballmer could not accept that." [via CNET]

By Electronista Staff