Let’s dive into a story about Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, highlighting his leadership style, humanity, and humor in a way that new leaders can relate to and learn from.

Here’s the story:

Introduction: Leading with Heart in a Tech-Driven World

When Satya Nadella became the CEO of Microsoft in 2014, the company was struggling with stagnation and a loss of its innovative edge. Yet, under his leadership, Microsoft transformed into one of the most valuable companies in the world. How did he do it? Not through sheer technical brilliance (though he has that too), but by embracing empathy, cultivating a growth mindset, and leading with a human touch.

For new managers, Nadella’s journey offers a roadmap to navigate the challenges of leadership in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape. And yes, there’s room for humor because even at Microsoft, not every update rolls out perfectly. (looking at you, Windows Vista.)

The Story: How Satya Nadella Cultivates Success

Lesson 1: Listen Before You Lead

When Nadella took over, Microsoft’s culture was competitive and siloed. Employees were focused on beating each other rather than collaborating. Nadella’s first step? Listening. He spent countless hours talking to employees, customers, and stakeholders, not to point fingers but to understand the challenges they faced. One Microsoft veteran recalled Nadella saying, “Tell me your truth. I want to learn.” This willingness to listen transformed Microsoft’s culture from one of “know-it-alls” to “learn-it-alls.”

Takeaway: As a new manager, don’t come in with all the answers. Spend time understanding your team and their challenges. Listening builds trust and sets the stage for meaningful change.

Lesson 2: Lead with Empathy

One of Nadella’s defining traits is his empathy, shaped by his personal life. His son Zain was born with cerebral palsy, a life-altering experience that taught Nadella the importance of seeing the world through others’ eyes. This empathy influenced his leadership style, from introducing accessible technology to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Nadella once joked, “People think AI is the next big thing, but for me, it’s been EI – emotional intelligence – that’s changed the game.”

Takeaway: Empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a leadership superpower. Understand your team’s needs, and they’ll go above and beyond for you.

Lesson 3: Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Nadella introduced the concept of a growth mindset at Microsoft, inspired by psychologist Carol Dweck. He encouraged employees to embrace failure as an opportunity to learn. When a new feature rollout didn’t go as planned, Nadella reportedly laughed and said, “Well, at least we know what not to do next time.”

His message was clear: mistakes aren’t the end, they’re stepping stones to innovation.

Takeaway: Create a safe environment where your team can take risks and grow. Celebrate learning as much as success.

Lesson 4: Focus on Purpose Over Products

Under Nadella, Microsoft shifted its focus from selling products to creating solutions that empower people. He championed the company’s mission to “empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” This clarity of purpose not only inspired employees but also reconnected customers to Microsoft’s value.

In one meeting, when asked why he pushed cloud services so heavily, Nadella quipped, “Because clouds don’t crash, unlike my Windows 95 back in the day.”

Takeaway: Align your team around a clear purpose. When people understand the “why,” they’ll work harder on the “how.”

Ted Lasso’s: The New Manager’s Adventure

Becoming a manager for the first time is like stepping into a new video game, you’re excited, slightly terrified, and not entirely sure what all the buttons do. Yet, leadership is a skill you cultivate over time, much like tending a garden or slowly mastering your mom’s secret lasagna recipe.

Let’s take inspiration from a modern-day figure: Ted Lasso. Yes, the fictional soccer coach with no prior experience in the sport but a heart full of determination. His story is more than just laughs and feel-good moments; it’s a masterclass in leadership that every new manager can relate to.

The Story: Ted Lasso’s Playbook for New Managers

Ted Lasso starts his journey in the world of English football (soccer) as an outsider. He doesn’t know the rules of the game, but what he lacks in technical knowledge, he makes up for in people skills. And this is where our first lesson begins.

1. Lesson 1: Relationships Matter More Than Expertise

When Ted first takes over the team, he doesn’t pretend to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, he focuses on building trust with his players. He listens, learns their stories, and finds ways to connect. For example, when he bakes shortbread cookies for the team owner every day, it’s not just about the cookies—it’s about showing he cares.

Takeaway: As a new manager, don’t stress about knowing everything right away. Focus on building relationships. People will work hard for a boss they believe in.

2. Lesson 2: Laugh Through the Chaos

Managing people can feel like herding cats or, in Ted’s case, professional athletes with egos the size of a stadium. When team members clash or mistakes happen, Ted meets these challenges with humor. Like the time he quipped, “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”

Takeaway: A little humor can diffuse tension and make even the toughest situations more manageable. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

3. Lesson 3: Plant Seeds for Growth

Ted doesn’t just give orders; he cultivates a culture of growth. For instance, he encourages his star player, Jamie Tartt, to move past his arrogance and embrace teamwork. It’s not an overnight transformation, but through coaching, empathy, and occasional tough love, Jamie eventually evolves into a better player and person.

Takeaway: Invest in your team’s development. Help them see their potential, even when they can’t see it themselves.

4. Lesson 4: Be Vulnerable

One of Ted’s most powerful moments as a leader is when he opens up about his own struggles. By being honest about his fears and imperfections, he creates a safe space for his team to do the same.

Takeaway: Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. Share your challenges, and your team will respect you more.