Few CEOs could do with a ghost writer more than Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, it would seem. The software giant’s new chief has this week been the subject of criticism for his unfocused, rambling and altogether lengthy state-of-play email to all Microsoft staff.

Nadella’s email was even analysed on the Today Programme, and this post by Jean-Louis Gassée sets out Nadella’s main failings. Firstly, there is the length of the missive: 3,100 words. You don’t need an editor to tell you that’s way too long for any email, but you probably do need someone with the backbone to stand up to the CEO – a point Gassée is keen to make.

And then there is the email’s content:

‘We have clarity in purpose to empower every individual and organisation to do more and achieve more. We have the right capabilities to reinvent productivity and platforms for the mobile-first and cloud-first world. Now, we must build the right culture to take advantage of our huge opportunity. And culture change starts with one individual at a time.’

Such platitudes – unforgivable even in a short email – will only annoy the readership. They also rouse suspicion that the writer has nothing to say…

But Gassée’s main contention is that the email lacks focus, specifics and at 3,100 words, you can bet that ‘the toothless generalities’ it contains won’t impress the workforce. And given the email has leaked, you can add shareholders, partner organisations and customers to that list.

Gassée concludes: ‘Tortured statements from CEOs, politicians, coworkers, spouses, or suppliers, in no hierarchical order, mean one thing: I have something to hide, but I want to be able to say I told you the facts.’

Would it not be easier for Nadella to outsource this part of his job?

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