I saw this picture on Seth Godin's blog and had to comment.
Microsoft Windows launched its highly expected “Vista” operating system. Microsoft and all affiliates should have been excited about the buzz Vista was to create in the industry. In fact their slogan was “the ‘Wow’ starts now”.
Based on the body language, it looks like Microsoft came up with a “The ‘Wow’ ends now”. Seated in this picture from left to right is head of Dell, Microsoft, Toshiba Advanced Micro Devices and HP. Not one of them looks even remotely excited by the new product they are introducing to the public and into their respective products. In fact, the only body language that Microsoft’s Vista activated is just “soft” and not in a Micro amount. None of these executives sustain up-right posture or a smile throughout the launch presentation. Scowls are usually not reserved for parties and these guys seem to have excess of it.
Instead of creating a “wow”, this photo evoked images of uptight, uncomfortable, unease and constipation. It looks more like the line for a colonic waiting room rather than a team of innovators launching a new product. They fail to be as open and presentable as the power-point presentation. Enthusiasm is generated through body language, facial expression, presence of heart and connection to core. Where is it with those involved with Microsoft’s Vista?
This photo leaves me with three questions:
1. Who is the leader in this photo? Based on body language, there isn’t one. Heaven forbid there was a moderator that was standing; because it was accidentally him or her.
2. Are these guys working together on the same team and was this even important? Half of them did not think so. Three of the executives are wearing ties and three are not. The only uniform is their odd body language.
3. Speaking of body language, who taught these guys to sit and cover their masculinity like this? The impact of their body language on Vista is obvious. But do you think they realize the impact it has on their health and eventually the health of Microsoft?
This photo looks more like bad news being broken to the public than a party getting started. In the final analysis, Microsoft’s “Pop” was the sound we heard before their supporters deflated into an intestinally compressive posture.
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