The retirement of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer: the main worry about four things-Steve Ballmer, Nadela-IT information
Two years ago, Steve Ballmer (Steve Ballmer) from Microsoft's CEO stepped down, handing over command to satiya·Nadela (Satya Nadella).
Since Ballmer from Microsoft, the company has undergone significant changes, including enthusiastically embracing cloud computing services and computer platform for other companies to take a more cooperative attitude. Markets seem to like this kind of change: in the past two years, while Microsoft's profit growth, but its share price has surged by around 40%.
The same time, Ballmer also started their new lives. NBA Los Angeles Clippers he became the boss, whether at home or in away games, he showed great enthusiasm.
We have the pleasure of interviewing Steve Ballmer, learned after he retires from Microsoft, as well as his thoughts on technology and a basketball game.
After retirement, the main worry about four things
Matt Luo Sefu (Matt Rosoff): How do you live now? No high pressure job, no overtime day and night, you meet it?
Steve Ballmer: I enjoy every minute of work at Microsoft. However, I've been longing for a while I think interesting lives. I never planned to do not move until the time. For me, less and less time.
However, the most important is that life is not like a company, you will not always be disturbed. When you start a company, your employees, and many, many people. They may interfere with your plans. Your customers may also disrupt your plans. Sometimes you also have an obligation to stand up and cheer, because people expect you to give a PEP talk. In short, they always take up your time from various aspects. At this stage of life, I have more options. This is not to say I haven't had to do things, but I have more in my own time control.
I found three or four things I was interested in, I concentrate on doing them. The whole process is very interesting.
The Los Angeles Clippers are clearly intrigued me the one thing.
Second, I was working on a project on Government assessment. I used to like to do many things at once, and want to be able to do this well, for people to see and understand. It sounds funny, but I want one for their performance evaluation. It is personal, so the Government? How to assess government performance? The Government did what? How to get funding? How to assess what has been done and how well?
Luo Sefu: what is this project?
Steve Ballmer: it also does not have a name; we have been working hard on it. In fact, what is difficult to understand the Federal and State Governments. "Government Department, not CEO. "But if you were in the Government day CEO, you have the tools, reports and resources to review the operation of government agencies do? As you review the firm's product line, expenses and revenues. In fact, I've been doing work in this area, was alone at first, then I was with a group of people. Do it, stop for a while. Now do more. It's basically starting from when I left Microsoft.
I find it is a useful exercise for promoting you to think. Now, I have begun to think seriously about, some of which are very interesting question worthy of study.
Third, my wife has for years been engaged in charitable work, I also participated. We focus on a United States domestic problems, especially poverty and child welfare issues. I'm not sure what kind of contribution we can or should be made, but we did spend a lot of time.
Last but not least important is, I'm still a big shareholder of Microsoft. Although I don't work for this company, but as an outsider, I think a lot of investments--how can I increase my return on investment? Development direction of Microsoft do right? I dare not say that I spend most of my time on it, but I did spend some time.
A Microsoft outsider
Luo Sefu: what is the relationship between you and Microsoft? You regularly with new CEO Nader or Bill Gates (Bill Gates) to chat? Or do you really exiting?
Steve Ballmer: first of all, I am no longer an insider. I am not a member of the company. I'm an outsider. This is actually a kind of parting. Microsoft does not release confidential information to any other shareholders, for I can't reveal. You can say this is a parting.
Every quarter I chat with Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer. I met with Satya four or five times a year, either as a shareholder to meet him or something to participate in brainstorming sessions, we will sit down and have a chat. It helps me think deeply about some issues, may also have helped him. I still have a lot of friends and colleagues often sit together and talk, discussion or something. This process is very interesting.
However, I can't say I completely quit, because I take the time to research investments in Microsoft. But at the same time, I'm not an insider or Board members, not stare at every day management, or comment on its product strategy. Of course, now I can learn from my own perspective, I'm not afraid to share his opinions.
Microsoft is now doing very well
Luo Sefu: can you talk about your opinion? Do you think Microsoft's situation? It appears to work quite well. Last time they released earnings results were very satisfactory, after publication of the results, their shares have risen around 5%.
Ballmer: I do not sell stock, so I don't really care about it now. In many ways, I think Microsoft is doing very well. If you look at the changes in Microsoft Office 365 cloud apps suite--this was when I was at Microsoft just started--you'll find that Microsoft did a very good job in this regard, I am happy.
When you examine the Microsoft Azure cloud operating system software from the server change, and cloud infrastructure building, you will find that Microsoft is definitely the number one company in this regard. It is moving to the cloud, Azure is a good place to start. From the aspect of cost, profitability and innovation, Microsoft wants to stay ahead of Amazon more than two years. Of course, there is a lot of work to do in this regard.
From a customer perspective, I carefully thought about Microsoft in the Tablet Surface, augmented reality head-mounted device HoloLens and games work on Xbox. Of these products is critical to Microsoft's future development. Because future innovation come from cloud services connect all the devices, either from the software supported devices by cloud. I think Microsoft is necessary on these two aspects.
As for Microsoft's position, I believe that Satya did a very good job. He is in a very special way to face the "mobile first, cloud services a priority" of the world; I have not thought of in this way, even if I think, I think it is impossible. Turns out, he's right. You might say this is something obvious, but in fact it involves change your views. I think his work is outstanding in this regard.
I still think that Windows and hardware platforms as well as our cloud services to innovative integration. Microsoft did fairly well in many ways. Competing with Amazon AWS cloud services, in the competition for customers, as well as competing with the Google Chrome browser, everything Microsoft did a very good job.
As a shareholder, I have always expressed my objection: we have too little information on cloud services revenue and profit.
Microsoft needed a plan on the development of the mobile device. If you want to move a priority, priority of cloud services, you must understand what you want to do on a mobile device. I used to promote the development of the company in this direction. When I left, a change of direction in this area. I believe that Satya will ultimately determine the correct direction.
Watch Twitter long-term prospects
Luo Sefu: you invested in Twitter. Where is the potential? Their share price has sunk to a low ebb, and a new CEO. Why do you like Twitter?
Steve Ballmer: If you examine the growth potential of the company, you will find that Twitter is. They had success in a very difficult environment to build a world-class brand. This is a recognized brand in the world.
Secondly, I believe that many opportunities for them to improve their products. When you read a newspaper, when you see people saying, "Oh, this product needs to be improved. "This time, I would say," Hey, behind to have a chance to progress! "In their improvement in the process, you'll see more innovation and revenue potential than elsewhere. Therefore, you may say that is its weakness, and I see it as an opportunity.
Third, you look at the cost structure. The company's CEO, Jack has begun to take action. Is optimization of cost structures, which include operating costs and labor costs.
Twitter companies with good brands, providing important services, I see a lot of advantages. From a share price point of view, they did encounter some difficulties, but in the long run, they will remain a great company. I think they will work hard to improve their service, I am very pleased to be their shareholders.
Luo Sefu: many people from on high to run the company after stepping down would choose to make angel investments. You do angel investors? What'd you find?
Steve Ballmer: in normal circumstances, I am busy working on my other things planned. I bought a sports technology company. Our Los Angeles Clippers took a lot of energy. We are also considering further expansion for the Clippers to build online sales channels, and provide value-added services. These initiatives may attract new partners and investment. However, I don't see anything saying, "Hey, I want to invest in. "I invest in anything is with us in the Clippers ' job-related things.
Basketball's technology and its limitations
Luo Sefu: you studied mathematics at Harvard University. Did you Clippers to your expertise? You will use sophisticated data analysis to improve the performance of the Clippers?
Steve Ballmer: data analysis in the field of basketball skill level is very high. We have very talented people doing data analysis work.
I invested in a company Second Spectrum may be the leader in this area. It was also in Los Angeles, but it was founded by two computer science professor at the University of Southern California. The company employees who love sports and often participate in sports activities, but they are a professional programmer.
However, the data analysis has limitations. Compared to baseball, basketball is very team sports. Baseball can be said to be a lot of single people in the same team on parallel tracks, it is more about personal skills. And on the basketball court, people need to make decisions in real time: who is going to catch? We believe that people in the field? Data analysis cannot, of course, give you anything so subtle. However, it is also really important.
With guilty pleasures
Luo Sefu: Bill Gates says his guilty pleasure is his private jet. What about yours?
Steve Ballmer: private jets is a guilty pleasure. I also have a private plane. This is pure luxury. I love it. I sometimes say, "Wow, I can hardly believe that I have the luxury, I'm spoiled. ”
There are other things makes me feel so indulge yourself, for example, I have an massage a week.
Now, I have plenty of time, so can indulge themselves to some extent. I exercise every day. I sleep very good every day. But I wouldn't say this is a guilty pleasure. In the year after I left Microsoft, I ask myself most of the time, "well, how can I make myself like when Microsoft like crazy busy? "Later on, my views have changed, and I say to myself," at this stage of my life, I was able to choose their favorite things to do, no longer busy like a madman. I can live with time, more time to cultivate insight, not just to participate in various activities. ”
微软前CEO鲍尔默的退休生活：主要操心四件事 - 鲍尔默,纳德拉 - IT资讯
两年前，史蒂夫·鲍尔默（Steve Ballmer）从微软CEO的位置上退了下来，将指挥权交给了萨提亚·纳德拉（Satya Nadella）。
从鲍尔默离开微软以来，该公司已发生了显著的变化，包括热情地拥抱了云计算服务以及对其他公司的计算机平台采取了更加合作的态度。市场似乎很喜欢这种变化：在过去两年中，虽然微软的利润基本没有增长，但是它的股价却飙升了大约40%。
与此同时，鲍尔默也开创了自己新的生活。他成了NBA洛杉矶快船队的老板，无论是在主场还是在客场比赛，他都表现出了极大的热情。
我们有幸采访了鲍尔默，了解了他从微软退休后的生活以及他对科技和篮球比赛的想法。
退休后主要操心四件事
马特-罗瑟福（Matt Rosoff）：你现在的生活过得怎样？再没有了高强压力的工作，没有了夜以继日的加班，你还适应么？
史蒂夫·鲍尔默：我享受在微软工作的每一分钟。但是，我也一直在憧憬过一段我觉得有意思的生活。我从来没有计划工作到做不动的时候才罢休。对我来说，时间越来越少了。
但是，最重要的是生活不像开公司，你不会总是被打扰。在你开公司的时候，你下面有员工，很多很多的员工。他们都可能会干扰你的计划。你的消费者也可能会扰乱你的计划。有时候你还有义务站起来摇旗呐喊，因为人们期望你这样给他们打气。总之，别人总是从各个方面占用你的时间。在现在这个人生阶段，我可以有更多的选择了。这不是说我就没有了不得不做的事情，而是说我对自己的时间有了更多的掌控权。
我找到了三四件让我很感兴趣的事情，我很专心地在做它们。整个过程很有趣。
洛杉矶快船队显然是其中一件让我着迷的事情。
第二，我在研究一个有关政府评估的项目。我常常喜欢同时做很多事情，并希望能够做出成绩，让人们看得到，并且能够理解。这听起来很可笑，但是我希望对自己的业绩有个评估。这是个人，那么政府呢？如何评估政府的业绩呢？政府到底做了什么？它如何获得拨款？如何评估政府做了什么以及做得怎样？
罗瑟福：这个项目叫什么？
鲍尔默：它还没有名称；我们一直在努力研究它。事实上，要理解联邦和州政府是很难的事情。“政府部门没有CEO。”但是，如果让你在政府部门做一天CEO，你有工具、报告和资金来审查政府机构的运行情况吗？就像你审查企业的产品线、开支和营收一样。实际上，我一直在做这方面的工作，刚开始是我一个人，后来是我和一群人。做一做，停一停。现在做的时候更多。这基本上是从我离开微软的时候开始的。
我发现这也是一种促进你思考的有益锻炼。现在，我已开始了认真的思考，其中有一些很有趣的问题值得研究。
第三，我的妻子多年来一直在从事慈善方面的工作，我也参与了其中。我们关注了美国国内的很多问题，尤其是贫穷和儿童福利问题。我不清楚我们能够或应该做出怎样的贡献，但是我们确实在上面花费了不少时间。
最后但同样重要的是，我还是微软公司的一个不小的股东呢。虽然我不在这家公司工作，但是作为局外人，我考虑了很多投资方面的事情——我如何才能增加我的投资回报呢？微软的发展方向对路吗？我不敢说我花了大多数时间在这上面，但是我确实花费了一些功夫。
成了微软的局外人
罗瑟福：你现在与微软是什么关系？你经常与新CEO纳德拉或比尔·盖茨（Bill Gates）聊天吗？或者你真的彻底退出了？
鲍尔默：首先，我不再是局内人了。我不是这家公司的一员了。我现在是局外人。这实际上就是一种别离。微软不能对任何其他股东公布的机密信息，对于我同样不能泄露。你可以说这也是一种别离。
我每个季度都会与微软首席财务官聊天。我每年与萨提亚见面四五次，要么是作为股东与他见面，要么是就某事参与头脑风暴会议，我们会坐下来，聊一聊。这有助于我深入思考一些问题，可能对他也有帮助。我仍然有很多朋友和同事经常坐在一起聊聊天，或就某事开展讨论。这个过程是很有趣的。
但是，我不能说我彻底退出了，因为我还在花时间研究对微软的投资呢。但同时，我已不是局内人或董事会成员，不用每天盯着管理层，或对其产品战略提出意见。当然，我现在能从我自己的角度来看问题，我也不畏惧分享自己的观点。
微软现在做得很棒
罗瑟福：你能谈谈你的观点吗？你认为微软的现状如何？它看起来运行得很不错。他们上次公布的财报结果令人很满意，在财报公布后，他们的股价涨了大约5%。
鲍尔默：由于我不销售股票，因此我也不是很关心它的现状。从很多方面来说，我认为微软现在做得非常好。如果你看看微软公司向云端应用套件Office 365的转变——这是我还在微软的时候就启动的——你就会发现微软在这方面做得很棒，我感到很高兴。
当你考察微软从服务器软件到云端操作系统Azure的转变，以及云基础架构的建设情况，你就会发现微软在这方面绝对是第一流的公司。它正在向云端迁移，Azure是一个很好的开端。从成本、利润率和创新方面来说，微软要领先亚马逊两年多。当然，这方面还有很多工作要做。
从客户的角度，我仔细考虑过微软在平板电脑Surface、增强现实头戴式设备HoloLens和游戏机Xbox方面的工作。这些产品对于微软的未来发展是至关重要的。因为未来的创新要么来自于连接所有设备的云服务，要么来自于被云端软件支持的设备。我认为微软很有必要从这两个方面着手。
至于微软的定位，我认为萨提亚做得很棒。他以一种非常特别的方式来面对这个“移动优先、云服务优先”的世界；这种方式是我没有想到的，即使我想到，我也认为是不可能的。事实证明，他是对的。你可能会说这是显而易见的事情，但其实它涉及到你的观念转变。我觉得他在这方面的工作非常杰出。
我仍然觉得Windows、我们的硬件平台以及我们的云服务要进行创新性的整合。微软在很多方面做得相当不错。与亚马逊AWS云服务的竞争，在争夺客户方面的竞争，以及与谷歌Chrome浏览器的竞争，一切的一切，微软都做得很棒。
作为股东，我也一直在表达我不满的地方：我们获得的云服务营收和利润方面的信息太少了。
微软需要在移动设备的发展方向上有个规划。如果你要移动优先，云服务优先，你就必须了解你想在移动设备上做什么。我以前就是推动公司朝这个方面发展的。我离开的时候，这个方面的发展方向有了变化。我相信萨提亚最终能够确定正确的方向。
看好Twitter长远发展前景
罗瑟福：你还投资了Twitter。它的潜力在哪里？他们的股价已跌入了低谷，而且换了新CEO。你为何喜欢Twitter？
鲍尔默：如果你考察具有增长潜力的公司，你就会发现Twitter就是。他们已在非常艰难的环境中成功打造了一个世界级的品牌。这是一个全世界人认可的品牌。
第二，我认为他们改善其产品的机会很多。当你读报纸的时候，你会看到人们说，“哦，这款产品需要改进。”每当这个时候，我就会说，“嘿，落后才能有机会进步！”在他们改进产品的过程中，你就会看到比其他地方更多的创新和营收潜能。因此，你可以说那是它的劣势，而我则把它看做是机会。
第三，你看看它的成本结构。该公司CEO杰克已开始采取行动了。成本结构是可以优化的，这包括服务运营成本和人力成本。
对于具有好品牌、提供重要服务的Twitter公司，我看到了很多优点。从股价方面来看，他们确实遭遇了一定的困难；但是，从长远来说，他们仍将是一家伟大的公司。我想他们一定会努力改善他们的服务，我很高兴成为他们的股东。
罗瑟福：很多人从掌管公司的高位上退下来后都会选择做天使投资。你也做天使投资吗？你有什么发现？
鲍尔默：在通常情况下，我都在忙我计划的其他方面的事情。我收购了一家体育科技公司。我们在洛杉矶快船队花费了不少精力。我们还在考虑进一步拓展，为快船队打造网络销售渠道，并提供增值服务。而这些举措可能会吸引来新的合作伙伴和投资。但是，我不会看到任何东西都说，“嘿，我想投资。”我投资的东西都是与我们在快船队的工作相关的东西。
篮球里的科技及其局限
罗瑟福：你在哈佛大学是学数学专业的。你在快船队应用到你的专业知识了吗？你会利用精密数据分析来提高快船队的表现么？
鲍尔默：篮球领域的数据分析技术水平是很高的。我们已有非常优秀的人才在做数据分析方面的工作。
我投资的一家公司Second Spectrum可能是这方面的佼佼者。它正好也在洛杉矶，但却是由南加利福尼亚大学的两名计算机科学教授创办的。该公司里面的很多员工喜爱体育节目，也经常参与体育活动，但是他们更是专业的高级程序员。
但是，数据分析也有局限性。相对于棒球来说，篮球就是非常讲究团队合作的运动。棒球可以说是很多单个的人在同一个队伍各行其是，它更多的是讲究个人的技能。而在篮球场上，人们需要实时做出决定：由谁来接球？我们是否相信场上的人？数据分析当然不可能给你提供如此具体细微的东西。但是，它也确实很重要。
带有负罪感的乐趣
罗瑟福：比尔盖茨说，他的带有负罪感的乐趣就是他的私人飞机。你的呢？
鲍尔默：私人飞机就是带有负罪感的乐趣。我也有一架私人飞机。这就是纯粹的奢侈品。我很喜欢它。我有时候会感叹，“哇塞，我简直不敢相信我有这样的奢侈品，我真是被宠坏了。”
还有其他让我觉得很放纵自己的事情，例如我每周会做一次按摩。
现在，我有了充裕的时间，因而能在某种程度上放纵自己。我每天都会健身。我每天的睡眠都很充足。但我不会说这些是带有负罪感的乐趣。在我刚离开微软后的一年里，我大多数时候都在问自己，“好吧，我如何才能让自己像在微软的时候一样疯狂地忙碌呢？”后来，我的观点转变了，我对自己说，“在我人生的这个阶段，我能够选择做自己喜爱的事情，不用再像疯子一般忙碌了。我可以有时间从容地生活，将更多时间用来培养洞察力，而不仅仅是参加各种活动。”