Stephen Jay Gould often talked about how some evolved features happen not because they're beneficial to a species' success, and despite them being outright detrimental, but simply because they are linked to some other feature that is beneficial; they're necessary side effects.

Arseholery seems to fall into exactly that category. It's not helpful per se, but associated with many traits that obviously contribute to success, including clarity of vision and confidence in one's opinion against others' advice, and the ability to persist against all odds.

Nadella seems to be of another fabric entirely; he's not afraid of having a plurality of voices sing at the same time, he's more a conductor than a general.

What he's pulled off so far is amazing; lets hope it lasts.