There was no successor in place for Jim McNerny when he left 3M.

Many times when a CEO retires, it is announced ahead of time and a search is made for a successor.

>They always deny being forced out; believing the opposite is a little naive IMO.
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>If Ballmer was resigning on his own will, his successor would be known and he would have chosen a calmer moment (trials, write-offs on RT, win8 sales, etc.)
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>>You're wrong about that. When I was at 3M, Jim McNerny left on his own. I'm pretty sure I could find other cases.
>>There are rumors that Ballmer was forced out. He denies it.