Let’s not forget that this is a medium sized corporation and not everything is Linus’ fault. Despite everything that’s happening, I’m still quite convinced that most people there are great and doing OK.

With (I think) more than 100 people there and going, it would be a miracle to not run into problems. Not only because of new hires, but also because responsibilities and structures change, cultures clash and some people just won’t get along too well from the start. Although the extent is quite alarming, that is true.

I’m not sure whether I’m satisfied with LMGs response to the criticism, but it sure as hell was way better than Linus’ rant. I’m appalled by the allegations that have been risen, but I’m also aware that we actually know very little so far.

Maybe there really is person or even a group of people who have actually become a real problem and maybe the rest, including leadership, failed to recognize that. In this case they should get rid of them. That’s the only appropriate response for this caliber of allegations.

The fact that the leadership apparently failed to recognize what was going on is of course very bad, but I can also tell you that it is actually very hard to handle these things well. That’s why HR exists (or better, should exist). That’s why companies spend a ton of money and scientists a ton of research on sorting out how to make things work: Because management is actually very hard in every way you can imagine and then some.

So let’s not be too unfair towards Linus and the other top brass, because they were not trained to handle for example HR and probably never realized how bad they need it. I’m sure it was a shock for them as well. And I’m curious to see what Terren can still teach Linus as the new CEO. He’s got some work in front of him for sure.