A brief overview and explanation of the 16 Amazon Leadership Principles are as follows:
CUSTOMER OBSESSION
Amazon is obsessed with its customers. Obsessed with giving outstanding customer service and creating products and services that make their lives better.
OWNERSHIP
Amazon managers and leaders always take responsibility and focus on the long-term success of the company as opposed to short-term gains. People who work for Amazon will always get stuck in and do jobs that, although not part of their job description, will help the team.
INVENT AND SIMPLIFY
Working at Amazon requires the ability to find ways to make things simple. You will also be encouraged to innovate and invent. If you have an idea that can improve the customer experience, you will be encouraged to explore it further.
ARE RIGHT, A LOT
Good leaders make the right decisions most of the time. They have good judgment and they are not afraid to make difficult decisions that are in the best interests of their employer.
LEARN AND BE CURIOUS
There is always something new to learn at Amazon, and this leadership principle is vital if you are going to be able to contribute positively to the long-term goal of the company. You should always be curious about how things work, what the needs of your customers are, and how you can develop the right skills to meet the demands of the organization.
HIRE AND DEVELOP THE BEST
As we have already eluded to earlier on during this article, Amazon employs some of the world’s brightest minds. Amazon always tries to improve with every person they hire. If you have talent, you will be encouraged to move through the organization. If you are a leader working for Amazon you will have the responsibility of coaching the people in your team to enable them to be the best version of themselves possible.
INSIST ON THE HIGHEST STANDARDS
Standards can never be too high! Whilst working at Amazon, you must always insist on the highest standards in the work you do, and when dealing with customers. Any drop in standards can impact negatively on the progress of Amazon and, more importantly, its reputation.
THINK BIG
The next of the 16 Amazon Leadership Principles is think big! You will be encouraged in your work at Amazon to think outside the box, seek ways to help the business improve and grow and come up with bold ideas that generate exceptional results.
BIAS FOR ACTION
Working fast and getting things done is the difference between success and failure at Amazon. Amazon encourages calculated risks that help the business move forward and maintain its position as the world’s number one eCommerce website!
FRUGALITY
The next Amazon Leadership Principle is frugality. The definition of frugal is sparing or economical with money, food, or resources. Although Amazon is very successful in terms of its turnover, it still understands the importance of maintaining a healthy profit. Profit can only be realized if its staff treat resources and money with respect. Unnecessary waste is not welcome at Amazon!
EARN TRUST
The ability to analyze your performance speak openly about problems and issues, and be honest when mistakes are made are all important qualities needed to work at Amazon. Amazonians always assess themselves against the best and seek to improve.
DIVE DEEP
To ensure positive results, it is always good practice to analyze information, data, and previous results. Knowledge is power and it will be your responsibility whilst working at Amazon to stay connected with data relevant to your job.
HAVE BACKBONE; DISAGREE AND COMMIT
It is important to challenge decisions at Amazon. Challenging decisions make people think and consider different alternatives. Regardless of your position at Amazon, if you think something is wrong, or it can be approached in a different way, speak up!
DELIVER RESULTS
This next Amazon Leadership Principle is simple… always do things to a high standard and on time.
STRIVE TO BE EARTH’S BEST EMPLOYER
Being an Amazon employee means making sure the working environment is safe, productive, and responsible. Amazon understands the importance of having a diverse workforce and it takes responsibilities in respect of the environment seriously. To be the earth’s best employee you should always be open to feedback and seek ways to continually improve.
SUCCESS AND SCALE BRING BROAD RESPONSIBILITY
The last of our 16 Amazon leadership Principles is Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility. Amazon started in a garage but now it is one of the largest businesses in the world. It takes its responsibilities seriously and the impact it has on the world. Amazon understands that people expect it to be better at what it does every day.
Now that we have briefly explored the 16 Amazon Leadership Principles, let’s take a look at the best way to prepare for the Amazon selection process, including the workplace assessment and interviews.
