Team philosophy and culture presentation given to the integrated Microsoft/Nokia team, September 2014

1. Team Philosophy
& Culture
Arnon Kraft
Senior Director for Strategic Sourcing
Microsoft
arkraft@microsoft.com
arnon@arnonkraft.com

2. ”Culture trumps strategy every time” *
- Motorola Solutions Chairman & CEO, Greg Brown

3. Communicate
Even with all technology but you need to make sure
to spend time and focus on communication.
Terminology might be different, but make sure
people mean the same thing when using a similar
term.

4. Team Work
Building a team and developing a team spirit
approach is a challenge when done across different
cultures and geographies.
You should all be leaders in going one step further
to reach out and build a team work approach, while
not allowing the time gaps to slow the process.

5. Yes We Can
Keeping in mind that the “how” is as important as
the “what”, keeping the right attitude is key for
leaders and team members alike.
This is equally important in building internal
partnerships and showing partners you care about
their challenges as much as they do.

6. Change requires
Flexibility
Diversity is a core value.
Flexibility in your way of thinking and
understanding different approaches and cultures is
key in building a successful global org.

7. Break Out of the Mold,
Creative Thinking
Taking calculated risks and trying to identify new
methods and approaches that better fit your new
org.
This is true for influencing decisions, the way you
interact with external and internal partners and
more.

8. Ownership
A clear ownership map is key in a global org
working on joint tasks in different time zones with
first lines managers not always sharing location with
their teams.
This is key in driving for results in a time constraint
industry.

9. Bottom Line
Simplicity and clarity.
Ensuring clear and simple communication of the
key takeaway is critical in communication whether
in emails, presentations or meetings.

10. Execution
Deliver!
Delivery against our goals, quantitative as well
qualitative is key to the success of your partnerships
and the entire org. This is also key in building your
trust and credibility with internal stakeholders.

11. Sense of
Urgency
While you are occupied with your internal issues,
the industry does not slow down.
You need to maintain a sense of urgency while
bridging internal communication and process gaps.

12. Thinking for the
Long Term
In parallel to being consumed with the day to day
challenges, make sure to keep in mind and focus on
the longer term challenges as well before they
become the short-term “fire drills”.
This is also key in becoming the company wide
experts in your space.

13. Enjoy
The “how” is as important as the “what”.
Aspire to feel like you get to come to the office, not
have to.

14. Team Philosophy
& Culture
Arnon Kraft
Senior Director for Strategic Sourcing
Microsoft
arkraft@microsoft.com
arnon@arnonkraft.com
www.linkedin.com/pub/arnon-kraft/
www.facebook.com/arnon.kraft
http://www.slideshare.net/ArnonK