For the longest time Amazon had 14 leadership principles, but just before Bezos left he added 2 more. Below is a list of the guiding values that Amazon uses to inform its culture, decision-making, and expectations for employees. These principles are designed to drive innovation, growth, and long-term success. I encourage my clients to develop such principles in their Leadership Team Charters.
- Customer Obsession: Prioritizing customer needs and working relentlessly to earn and maintain their trust.
- Ownership: Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes, thinking long-term, and acting in the best interest of the company.
- Invent and Simplify: Encouraging innovation, finding new ways to simplify processes, and always looking for ways to improve.
- Are Right, A Lot: Making good decisions using strong judgment and instincts, and seeking diverse perspectives to challenge assumptions.
- Learn and Be Curious: Continuously learning and seeking opportunities to expand knowledge, staying curious, and asking questions.
- Hire and Develop the Best: Attracting and retaining top talent, developing leaders, and setting high standards for performance.
- Insist on the Highest Standards: Holding oneself and others accountable to high standards, ensuring quality, and identifying solutions to problems.
- Think Big: Envisioning bold ideas and taking risks, while inspiring others to think beyond the status quo.
- Bias for Action: Preferring calculated risks and timely action over indecision, and learning from mistakes.
- Frugality: Achieving more with less, focusing on resourcefulness, and prioritizing long-term value.
- Earn Trust: Treating others with respect, being transparent, and actively listening to foster trust and credibility.
- Dive Deep: Fully understanding the details of a situation, staying close to the data, and avoiding superficial analysis.
- Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit: Asserting opinions, even if unpopular, and committing to decisions once they are made.
- Deliver Results: Focusing on delivering results, overcoming obstacles, and staying resilient in the face of challenges.
- Strive to be Earth's Best Employer: Prioritizing employee well-being, growth, and inclusivity while creating a safe and inspiring workplace.
- Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility: Recognizing the impact of Amazon's success and scale, and taking responsibility for the consequences on customers, employees, communities, and the environment.