HPLB: Get past it and move on
I spent 6 years at HPLB. 30 minutes in on my first day I learned that innovation inside an industrial behemoth was real challenge. And soon after, that HP Labs management were of two kinds, time servers, and those who would not rock the ship, and spent almost all their time on slide decks, (99.98%) and about 5 others worldwide who lead their teams, supported and inspired them and did something extra critical. The critical part: getting out of Labs and pushing/ forcing/selling/ evangelising their ideas & the teams technologies. Just like it said on the wall posters, Dave Packards words (paraphrased) "Stay with it"
HPL was always going to hit trouble with a "pure academic" (Prith Bannerjee) at the helm, rather than a "consummate politician" (Dick Lampman). And behind that is the difficulty any labbie really understands, the challenge of getting your work into division. At least when Carly Fiorina started, there was a spotlight and some kudos. But as we all learned later, A RockStar CEO (OK I'm guilty I worked as part of her team), wasnt a COO, and Mark Hurd brought that skill set. Carly used a BIG BIG hammer to make HP change (the CPQ merger), and in time that has been good, but not for Labs.
So guys, I'm really sorry for you all, for your families (and for mine, I was WfR'd 2 years back), but now get out there and do your own stuff. Go now, use your time, this gig has ended.Rejoice, and move on, its better by far then winge and die.
Phil McKinney is the brightest spark by far now in HP, follow him on FB or Twitter, and read his weblog at http://www.killerinnovations.com/blog/index.html. dig deep, the route to the future lies there, deep, and effective.
Good luck to all.