How We Work - getting work done

In the heart of Amazon's culture lies a profound truth I discovered: when customer obsession meets ownership, innovation flourishes. This dynamic environment taught me how bold thinking transforms into execution, creating an engine for growth and innovation.

Expect to read about the mechanisms of working backwards, principles of high-velocity decision making, and how visions, missions and tenets define each teams execution.

The PRFAQ: starting with tomorrow's success story.

The working backwards process flips product development on its head. By crafting a future press release (PR) and frequently asked questions (FAQ) document, teams visualize success before writing a single line of code. This approach ensures customer needs remain the north star, transforming abstract ideas into concrete value propositions.

Want to see this in action? AWS Lambda's recently published PRFAQ offers a masterclass in customer-centric thinking. Challenge yourself: Apply this methodology to your next innovation project and witness the clarity it brings.

Decision Velocity: six-step framework for fearless leadership.

In today's rapid-fire business landscape, decision paralysis is the silent killer of innovation. Amazon's approach taught me that high-quality decisions don't require perfect information.

Here's my decision-making compass:

• Embrace decision ownership with accountability

• Let leadership principles guide you

• Master the art of one-way vs. two-way doors

• Act decisively at 70% information

• Learn to "disagree and commit", pause your ego

• Escalate when needed

Vision Engineering: a team's destiny.

Amazon's ambitious vision of becoming earth's most customer-centric company isn't just a statement – it's a living force that shapes every decision. Your team needs this same gravitational pull. Collaborate to craft a vision that inspires and a mission that mobilizes. Make it a living document that evolves with your team's growth while maintaining its power to guide and inspire.

Tenet Architecture: building a decision-making operating system.

When data falls silent and opinions clash, tenets become your team's guiding light. These aren't just principles on paper – they're the DNA of your decision-making process. Work with your team to develop tenets that reflect both organizational values and team-specific needs. Let them evolve through experience while maintaining their power to align and guide.

Let’s wrap it up.

True organizational transformation happens when you adapt these principles to your unique context. It's about finding the sweet spot where Amazon's battle-tested methodologies meet your organization's distinct strengths. By thoughtfully integrating these approaches – working backwards, velocity-driven decisions, and principle-based leadership – you create a framework that doesn't just compete but dominates in today's dynamic business landscape.

Next up.

How We Communicate - clarity and impact.