[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fqq5sawhrUBfw4r5KSLxCTL49bIfnwG1iOotCVJ-rQ3o":3,"$feRkumA6gX0rO63ECcoPGESzb_3psKtlZfj9CSfkRdnE":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},193363,"Allison Watson","A",9,null,"allison-watson",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":118},[14,27,38,50,61,72,84,96,107],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},2686645,"The training component will support partners by helping them clearly tell the story of people-ready.",4,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},5663795,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},29101,"clearly",{"id":28,"quote_text":29,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":30,"source":31,"quote_tag":32,"commentary":9},2686638,"Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[33],{"id":34,"tag":35},5663788,{"id":36,"tag_name":37},3428,"bridge",{"id":39,"quote_text":40,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":41,"source":42,"quote_tag":43,"commentary":49},2686631,"Customers look for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities. They need to trust in someone that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[44],{"id":45,"tag":46},5663778,{"id":47,"tag_name":48},2293,"act","**The Backstory**\nThis quote is likely from a Microsoft press release or a marketing document, given the mention of \"Microsoft Gold Certified Partners.\" The context suggests that the quote is from a period when Microsoft was emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships with technology companies. This was likely during the early 2000s, a time when Microsoft was expanding its reach into new markets and seeking to establish itself as a leader in the technology industry.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a tension between the ideal of partnership and the reality of power dynamics. On the surface, the statement emphasizes the importance of trust and expertise in building a positive customer experience. However, the phrase \"bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities\" suggests that the customer is often at a disadvantage, lacking the technical expertise to navigate complex technology decisions. This implies that the partner company, in this case, Microsoft, holds a significant amount of power and influence in the relationship.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider the power dynamics at play in your own business relationships. Are you seeking to establish yourself as a trusted expert and partner, or are you leveraging your expertise to exert control over the other party? By recognizing and navigating these power dynamics, you can build more authentic and mutually beneficial relationships with your customers and partners.",{"id":51,"quote_text":52,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":53,"source":54,"quote_tag":55,"commentary":9},2686621,"We place tremendous value on our partners, who help us deliver solutions and applications to customers. Solutions Competencies provide an integrated partnering framework that recognizes an enterprise's expertise and rewards it for the effect it has in the technology marketplace. It also allows companies to demonstrate for customers their knowledge of building solutions based on Microsoft technologies, such as setting up networks using Windows Server 2003 and Windows Small Business Server 2003.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[56],{"id":57,"tag":58},5663770,{"id":59,"tag_name":60},3484,"based",{"id":62,"quote_text":63,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":64,"source":65,"quote_tag":66,"commentary":9},2686608,"We are providing the tools to train partners to deliver the people-ready message and supporting them with compelling evidence about why customers who invest in this outperform customers who don't. We want them to know how to live and breathe this message and successfully sell their offerings to customers.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[67],{"id":68,"tag":69},5663758,{"id":70,"tag_name":71},2987,"breathe",{"id":73,"quote_text":74,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":75,"source":76,"quote_tag":77,"commentary":83},2686590,"The people-ready vision is not only for Microsoft to create opportunity, but it's also about creating opportunity for our partners.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[78],{"id":79,"tag":80},5663740,{"id":81,"tag_name":82},3222,"create","**The Backstory**\nAllison Watson, a pioneering executive at Microsoft, likely coined this phrase in the early 2000s, during a time of significant transformation for the company. As Microsoft expanded its reach and scope, Watson's vision for a \"people-ready\" culture emphasized the importance of empowering employees and partners to drive innovation and growth. This era was marked by rapid technological advancements, increasing competition, and a growing need for strategic partnerships.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a counter-intuitive truth: Watson's vision is not solely focused on creating opportunities for Microsoft, but also for its partners. This subtle yet profound distinction highlights the interconnected nature of success in business, where the prosperity of one party is inextricably linked to the prosperity of another. By acknowledging this interdependence, Watson's quote underscores the importance of collaborative relationships and mutual benefit in driving long-term success.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset in your own work, consider the following strategy: when navigating complex partnerships or collaborations, prioritize creating opportunities for mutual benefit and growth. By doing so, you can foster a culture of interdependence, where the success of one party is directly tied to the success of another, leading to more sustainable and rewarding relationships.",{"id":85,"quote_text":86,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":87,"source":88,"quote_tag":89,"commentary":95},2686582,"Only companies that have demonstrated high levels of customer service, proved their experience and attained advanced certification receive the designation of Microsoft Certified Partner.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[90],{"id":91,"tag":92},5663727,{"id":93,"tag_name":94},12408,"advanced","**The Backstory**\nThis quote, likely originating from the early 2000s, reflects the era of rapid technological advancements and increasing competition in the software industry. Microsoft, at that time, sought to establish a trusted network of partners who could provide high-quality customer service and technical expertise. The certification program aimed to differentiate these partners and enhance the overall user experience.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nBeneath the surface, this quote reveals a subtle yet profound insight: the pursuit of excellence is often tied to the recognition of others. The Microsoft Certified Partner designation serves as a badge of honor, acknowledging a company's dedication to customer service and technical prowess. However, this recognition is not solely a validation of one's own abilities but also a testament to the willingness to adhere to external standards and expectations.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider seeking out opportunities for external validation and recognition that align with your values and goals. This could involve obtaining certifications, participating in industry-recognized programs, or seeking out mentors who can provide guidance and feedback. By embracing external standards and expectations, you can leverage the recognition and credibility that comes with them, ultimately driving your own growth and success.",{"id":97,"quote_text":98,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":99,"source":100,"quote_tag":101,"commentary":9},2686558,"We're saying if you want to get people-ready, get it from our partners, here are our partners. So far, we've had over 12,000 searches in our beta-testing of the tool over the past two weeks.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[102],{"id":103,"tag":104},5663712,{"id":105,"tag_name":106},831,"past",{"id":108,"quote_text":109,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":110,"source":111,"quote_tag":112,"commentary":9},2686545,"We started the push by presenting to partners the importance of people being at the center of how Microsoft delivers value in research and development and for customers.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[113],{"id":114,"tag":115},5663695,{"id":116,"tag_name":117},21042,"center",{"currentPage":119,"totalPages":119,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":120},1,10]