Bowman: Microsoft CEOâ€™s comments on awaiting raises thoughtless

Some men just don't get it.

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, is one of them.

More than 8,000 people from all over the world traveled to Phoenix this week to attend a conference to celebrate women in technology and to hear Nadella speak on the topic, "Building the Career of Your Dreams."

When he was asked to give his advice to women who are uncomfortable requesting a raise, Nadella told them to "have faith that the system will actually give you the right raises as you go along." He also said "not asking for a raise was good karma that would help a boss realize the employee could be trusted and should have more responsibility."

Nadella's comments were obviously thoughtless and irresponsible, and they set off a predictable firestorm. And naturally he apologized.

But was Nadella really sorry? Would he have apologized had there not been all this hoopla?

I don't think so. I believe Nadella went into CYA mode and said sorry to save face.

As a woman in business who has worked, fought, lobbied and negotiated for every raise, promotion, advancement, praise, new title (often in lieu of more money) — and helped pave the way for my sisters — it was hard for me to read Nadella's words.

In light of Cheryl Sandberg and others who encourage women to "lean in," Nadella's advice was unworthy of a man and a technology leader, all the more so because he was addressing a historic conference for women.

"Smile and everything will be fine"… "believe in destiny and karma" — and we will all get our raises?

Sorry, karma doesn't cut it in the real world. If a woman is self-confident and projects a positive attitude, she will advance. But it's up to all of us, women and men, to manage our own careers. If you make it clear that you are team-oriented, adaptable, flexible, passionate and capable of building relationships, you will advance. That's the cornerstone of success in the business world.

Satya Nadella's faux pas has circled the world. He's apologized. We've been warned. Let's forgive him perhaps, but let this incident serve as a reminder — we expect more from our leaders.

Next time, Mr. Nadella, a gentle suggestion: prepare your remarks, don't wing them.

Judith Bowman is president of her own business protocol consulting company.

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