Ex-Sun exec lambasts Sun's late layoffs

Huh?: Mr. Shoemaker wanted deep and prompt reductions in staff. But then he observes that Sun's hope for the future is the talented staff.

Quoting, first he wants layoffs:
"While other large technology firms like Cisco and Intel bit the bullet to save what they had and to protect the investments of shareholders, Sun's reduction-in-force actions were too little, too late," Shoemaker said. "This single failure to make a tough decision to reduce headcount at Sun was, I believe, the critical event that precipitated Sun's now infamous decline," Shoemaker said.
EoQ

Then he compliments the headcount still present:
"In spite of all that has happened, I still believe Sun Microsystems has been extremely fortunate in having one of the best and brightest cadres of employee talent anywhere."
EoQ

Ah, Mr. Shoemaker, that's because they were not laid off.

That mistake may be called "eating the seed corn."

But he does get one thing right:
"However, the bottom line is that it's all about quality leadership," Shoemaker said. "Perhaps there will still come a time when the leadership problem at Sun will be effectively and decisively addressed."

Well, perhaps his own retirement from the excutive ranks was a good start. But I agree that Sun could have gone much further in eliminating executives.

That's not the talent I was calling "seed corn".; Posted by: Anton Philidor Posted on: 04/10/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use