Coincidentally timed with this recent period of soul-searching (unemployment), I just finished John Wood’s Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An entrepreneur’s odyssey to educate the world’s children. It’s a memoire of Wood’s bold move from technology to “social entrepreneurship,” as well as a guidebook for anyone considering the transition into social entrepreneurship. So what was Wood’s great contribution to the world? The one that pulled him away from a cushiony job with big-time bucks?
He founded Room to Read.
The book has its cheesy points, and that’s simply something I had to stomach with Wood’s writing style. I have to admit I often put Leaving Microsoft down in exchange for Rock On, but that’s probably because Leaving Microsoft is the most text book-y book I’ve read in a while. It’s not a text book, but it’s just slightly more ponderous than the lighter novels and romans a clef I tend to read. (Eee, I really did just slip in “roman a clef!” I don’t know if I pluralized it correctly, but whatever. I just threw obscure French into a blog when the only exposure I’ve had to the term is The Devil Wears Prada’s entry on Wikipedia.) In general, though, this was a good read for someone who’s trying to organize her life while leaving ample time for enriching herself and her community.
That all said, I think the most valuable lessons to take away from Leaving Microsoft come from Wood’s chapter “Building ‘the Microsoft of Nonprofits.’” Here’s the bullet point version of values to uphold in a new social entrepreneurship organization:
- Focus on results.
- Treat your team with tact and respect.
- Be data-driven.
- Hire passionate team members.
- Loyalty – Hire loyal team members, be a loyal leader.
