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May 2, 2008

Quote of the Day: Ballmer's Opinion Problem

Quote of the day comes from a WSJ story about Microsoft's ongoing tussle for Yahoo -- most of which is apparently happening inside Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's head:

People familiar with the situation said that [delays] have been at least partly attributable to Mr Ballmer, following a regular pattern for the 28-year Microsoft veteran, who has led the company for eight years. The former salesman has a history of shifting his opinion suddenly and sometimes being easily swayed by new data or a new perspective that refutes his existing opinion, these people said.

In recent weeks, Mr Ballmer has appeared to be leaning towards launching a hostile bid for Yahoo and walking away ...

Precisely. Ballmer's vacillating -- typical sales-guy behavior -- is a big part of the problem here. And, reading between the lines, insiders are laying the groundwork for Ballmer to be the fall guy, whatever happens on this deal.

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