‘Thank you, Steve Ballmer’

When I asked readers to offer up their best questions for Steve Ballmer during his Canadian visit, I got one very unexpected response.

 

I'm going to reproduce it here in full, because it struck me as atypical and that it came from the heart. The author asked me to keep it anonymous, so all I'll say is that it came from a Canadian IT guy and that I'm very grateful for the contribution.

 

 

In all honesty, I don't have a truly good question.  But I would like to pass along the one thing he doesn't get to hear often.

Thanks.

Thanks to him, Mr. Gates and Mr. Allen.   Thanks for trying each and every day to improve and in doing so helping to not only change the landscape but being part of those that changed the industry from a dead stagnant business only heap into the environment we can all experience today.

True, Apple, Linux and others were involved but none of them get heaped on as “The Great Corporate Evil Ones” like Microsoft does.

Microsoft, as a Corporation, as a company worldwide is forever being said by many “You Suck” or other derogatory statements.

They've made mistakes in the past, but also strive to correct and improve on themselves learning from those mistakes.  It makes them human like the rest of us.

I've seen these people, each and every day in action.  Their staff, support staff, Volunteers in the Community, MVP's, individuals recognized for their work in the Community as well as their expertise.

They go out and constantly inspire people to do more with what they have, they give to the community without being asked.  And their work inspires others in the process to become more than they are.

I am one such individual, who because of Microsoft, became inspired to see out my goals and dreams.  As a result I am no longer the person I was over 3 years ago.  My outlook on life has changed.  I am not rich, but I do see light in others where once I only could see the worst.   It is because they inspired me, and it made me want to become more than I was.

And that inspiration is infectious.  It doesn't cause you to say “Hey only Microsoft Rules”, it's different.  It causes you to say “We can do better! We can be better.”  It makes you want to work with others regardless of whether they have Mac, Pc or Linux.

Microsoft isn't just about software and hardware.  True, they are probably the biggest company out there doing it.  But it's also about what they do for the community.  How they cause others to improve just buy being the giving people they are.

So even if he hasn't realized it, even if Mr. Gates and Mr. Allen haven't realized it?

That small dream they created is helping foster the dreams of others.

So Mr. Ballmer, I don't have a question.  I just want to say two words to you, and to Microsoft

“Thank you.”