Conflict Management

& Celebrating Microsoft’s 50-Year Journey

This past week, I had the privilege of attending a Conflict Management training session. Now, before you think, “Oh great, another corporate workshop,” let me assure you it was genuinely eye-opening. I’ve been in various leadership roles for many years, and trust me, I’ve encountered and navigated my fair share of conflicts. But taking dedicated time to systematically reflect on these experiences, analyzing what happened, how I reacted, and what I learned, proved to be incredibly valuable.

Here’s the thing: wherever people come together, be it at work, in communities, or even within families, conflicts are inevitable. It’s just part of human nature. The critical part isn’t avoiding conflicts at all costs (because honestly, that’s neither realistic nor healthy); it’s about how we manage and resolve them when they do arise. Observing our own responses in the heat of the moment and reflecting afterward is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Conflict Management changes when under stress

Interestingly, the training emphasized how our conflict-management styles change dramatically under stress. Imagine this scenario: when we’re relaxed and calm, most of us instinctively aim for cooperative solutions, looking for those magical win-win outcomes. But put us under pressure like tight deadlines, demanding stakeholders, limited resources and suddenly, cooperation might not be our first instinct.

My honest takeaway from this session? It depends. 😉 Seriously though, your reaction in a conflict heavily depends on the role you’re playing at the moment (whether as a manager, a team member, an executive, or even a spouse or neighbor). It also greatly depends on your relationship with the person on the other side of the table. With someone you hardly know or don’t plan on interacting with long-term, you might naturally lean toward a more assertive stance to ensure your point is clearly made. However, if it’s someone close like your partner, a valued colleague, or a neighbor you’ll see every day, you might find yourself prioritizing compromise and harmony over “winning” the argument.

It’s fascinating to notice these shifts in our conflict strategies. I’m curious: how about you? When you’re under stress, do you tend to stand your ground and push your perspective assertively? Or are you more inclined to find a middle ground and compromise?

Microsoft has just turned fifty

Speaking of long-term relationships and conflicts, there’s one partnership I particularly cherish, despite occasional challenges: Microsoft and Capgemini. Did you know Microsoft just turned 50? That’s right, half a century old! For a tech company, especially in the fast-paced, constantly evolving IT industry, that’s a milestone worthy of celebration.

Microsoft has shaped our digital landscape profoundly. Founded back in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft started small, very small. Their first product was a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800, a computer most of us today have probably never even heard of. From these modest beginnings, Microsoft quickly rose to prominence, first revolutionizing personal computing with Windows and Office, then branching out into gaming with Xbox, and ultimately becoming a powerhouse in cloud and AI technologies with Azure and Copilot. Microsoft’s journey truly mirrors the evolution of modern technology itself.

And here’s a fun twist for their 50th birthday: Microsoft aims to set a Guinness World Records title! They’re going for “Most users to take an online multi-level artificial intelligence lesson in 24 hours.” This global event kicks off on April 7 at 23:00 UTC and wraps up exactly 24 hours later, on April 8.

Celebrate with online training

What better way to demonstrate the strength of your Microsoft commitment than by participating enthusiastically in this challenge? I strongly encourage all of you to register and represent yourself proudly. You can find out more and sign up right here: AI Skills Fest | Home.

Reflecting on my own journey over the past five-plus years at Capgemini, particularly focusing on our Microsoft business within the Business Unit Germany, fills me with pride. Together, we’ve accomplished remarkable things:

• Securing massive, transformative client projects, notably with global giants like Bayer, BMW, Fresenius and more.
• Earning the prestigious title of Microsoft Partner of the Year in 2022, a testament to our effective and close collaboration.
• Launching groundbreaking initiatives like our joint Intelligent App Factory and AI-based Application Modernization program.
• And the cherry on top: since early 2024, Capgemini officially stands as the largest Microsoft partner in Germany.

These achievements don’t come easily or without the occasional conflict or difficult discussion. But the hallmark of our partnership has consistently been mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to finding the best possible solutions.

So, as Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, let me say a heartfelt “Happy Birthday!” 🎉 Thank you, Microsoft, for being an outstanding partner over these decades. I’m eagerly looking forward to our continued journey, hoping for plenty more successes, innovations, and yes, perhaps fewer conflicts. 😉

Let’s maintain our collaborative spirit, commitment, and focus. Together, I’m confident we’ll achieve sustainable success for years to come with Microsoft Cloud.

Thanks for everything, dear Microsoft, and here’s to the next chapter in our partnership story!

Your Mr. Microsoft