Hit Refresh is the newly launched book by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and it was a long-awaited one. Even, Bill Gates agreed while he wrote its 'foreword', and when he first came to know about the book. 

On the technology front, he assumes, we must move beyond the PC and the server to drive success in the cloud, and hints three major shifts will be the key to future technology, i.e, AI, Mixed Reality and Quantum Computing. These technologies would inevitably lead to massive shifts in our economy and society. Microsoft too would be interested in these and probably invest more to shape up the industry. 

Satya, no doubt, is a profound technology expert and it's nice to learn his love for cricket. Let's creatively review the book to see what we can learn from him.

Satya, no doubt, is a profound technology expert and it's nice to learn his love for cricket. Let's creatively review the book to see what we can learn from him.

1. Influence of the game

It is quite interesting to note that the venue identified for the book launch was at Lords the historical and famous cricket ground in London, England.

It is quite interesting to note that the venue identified for the book launch was at Lords the historical and famous cricket ground in London, England.

One can clearly notice, how deeply he was influenced and passionate about the game. It is true, if you aspire to become a professional sportsperson then you need to be an astute thinker, team-oriented, focussed, tactical planner and goal driven. Talking about cricket, he says he was an off spinner and wanted to be a professional cricketer, and he always believed to play the game in the right spirit.

2. Consistency and a long inning

In Februrary 2014, when he became Microsoft CEO, succeeding Steve Ballmer, he then already had spent approximately twenty-two years in the premier firm.

In Februrary 2014, when he became Microsoft CEO, succeeding Steve Ballmer, he then already had spent approximately twenty-two years in the premier firm.

It's difficult to maintain such a great consistency level mixed with hardwork. It shows focus, dedication, passion, perseverance, and commitment towards excellence. At a time, when abundant opportunities were there then playing a long inning was quite laudable. Not to many of us stick to a long arduous path. 

In addition, it also teaches one to enjoy what one does to be able to perform consistently and not let boredom or mediocrity take over, in order to harness long term goals and meet ones's expectations.

3. How to put across your points

In the initial phase as a CEO, he says, he had to deal with few issues related to culture or attitude of the team mates but he was able to subtly place his points.

In the initial phase as a CEO, he says, he had to deal with few issues related to culture or attitude of the team mates but he was able to subtly place his points.

Leadership begins with an opinion or a voice. It isn't about raising your voice, but about voicing your opinion when you feel something is not right. Voice must have a respectful tone and must convey a meaningful point.

But, in the end, finally he was successful to create an environment which could foster teamwork, creativity, focus and from know-it-alls to learn-it-alls attitude.

4. The importance of Partnership

In the chapter, Friends and Frenemies, he stresses upon making relationship and partnership too with competitors , as we all try to meet or exceed the needs of the  same set of customers. He cites multiple examples of 'Microsoft Vs Apple' rivalaries but quickly adds in order to grow and coexist, the hatchet needs to be buried with old rivals. And, this approach creates a much greater environment for growth. 

5. Enterprise Safety and Security

In the digital age, he also believes an enterprise saftey, security, and privacy is of utmost importance. 

In the digital age, he also believes an enterprise saftey, security, and privacy is of utmost importance.

He narrates an instance of November 2014 and a group identifying itself as the 'Guardian of Peace' had hacked the computers of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Sony was so concerned about the its data safety and the tremendous financial losses possibly could happen because of the cyber security breach. It was quite natural because these hackers had released a tranche of stolen Sony's emails that revealed embrassing comments made by the company executives about the movie-stars and other celebrities.

I must highlight that Satya's 22 years at Microsoft looked like a hermit in a long meditation, and when he woke up a much bigger role of a CEO awaited for him. Time spent was a long one but the result was good. 

He was greatly influenced by his parents, and in particular his mother, and she was also a Sanskrit scholar. In general, mothers hold a great place in one's life, and always play critical and ineffable roles.

Kaamadhenugunaavidyaa hyakaale phaladaayini pravaase maatrisadrushi vidyaa guptam dhanam Smrutam - Chaanakya

In the end, I must reiterate, 'Hit Refresh' is a great book to reflect on our own performance, get valuable insights, and which might probably also help in becoming a better professional. I feel we can get much light from him and the book. I also imagine, it is a must read piece and one must once go through the book.