Traditionally, how has HP broken bad news to its people?
It’s never easy to break bad news. However, I would make an effort to meet the affected employees personally with their direct managers. It’s important to be upfront about why HP has to take a particular course of action. I would reassure them that we will help them find alternative employment within HP as quickly as possible because that would be the matter closest to their hearts. On a personal note, what was the first piece of technology you owned? I come from an old era. A personal computer was a big thing then. I first laid hands on one in school. However, when I came across the Jornada – it’s an ultra-slim computer later renamed the iPaq smartphone – I was blown away. I have six or seven units of these ancient Jornadas, which were designed in Singapore, and old iPaqs at home. I should have a sizeable collection to start a museum when I retire. This article was first published in Digital Life, The Straits Times on Sep 24, 2008.
