How We Behave - living the Amazon leadership principles

My first touchpoint with Amazon's leadership principles came during my interview preparation in 2018. When my hiring manager emphasized their importance, I diligently aligned my past experiences with these principles. Like many, I initially viewed them as corporate wallpaper – meaningful symbols, but perhaps not living guidelines.

Expect to read how some of the LP‘s shaped my journey, both professionally and personally.

Fast forward, I was wrong - and thats okay.

These leadership principles form the DNA of Amazon's culture, fundamentally shaping how Amazonians think, decide, and act every single day. The transformation in my perspective has been profound. What started as interview preparation evolved into a framework that revolutionized my approach to work and leadership.

Never have I heard the phrase that „that’s not my business“. - Ownership

Never have I heard that „yeah let‘s still do it, even if it is not right for the customer“. - Customer Obsession

Never have I heard „we always did it like this, deal with it“. - Invent and Simplify

In some your good, in some not - and that’s okay.

Regular principle-based assessments from close colleagues provide a mirror for personal development. This systematic feedback creates a dynamic growth trajectory for individuals. Leadership principles serve as guardrails to identify superpowers and improvement areas.

2020's improvement areas blossomed into 2021's strengths

2021's unexplored territories became 2022's mastery

2022's strengths revealed new challenges in 2023

Some are in a tense relationship - and that’s okay.

The principles aren't rigid commandments but rather a sophisticated decision-making

framework you can lean on. They require thoughtful navigation of inherent tensions and need to be put into the context of your situations.

Deep diving competes with swift action.

Highest standards challenge rapid delivery.

Big thinking balances immediate results.

Be aware, they may influence your private behavior - and that’s (sometimes) okay.

Perhaps most remarkably, these principles transcend the office walls. They've subtly influenced my personal life, prompting me to „raise the bar“ in all aspects. This can be okay, but be aware of it.

I would appreciate a higher level of ownership..

Don‘t you think we should just take the action..

Let’s think bigger and do the following..

Let‘s wrap it up.

The Amazon leadership principles have transformed my professional DNA, being a powerful combination of customer obsession, ownership, and innovative thinking. They've become more than guidelines – they're a compass for decision-making and a catalyst for continuous growth.

Here you can find more information about each Leadership Principle.

Next up.

How We Organize - the two-pizza team and beyond (2/6)