Amazon
Invent and simplify
Leaders expect and require innovation and invention from their teams and always find ways to simplify. They are externally aware, look for new ideas from everywhere, and are not limited by “not invented here.” As we do new things, we accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time.
Implications
Going with the Amazon example -
Empowering innovators from every level and every team
Amazonians aren’t just encouraged to come up with the next big idea; they are empowered to seek out problems and build new solutions. This shows up everywhere from our customer service centers to the halls of our corporate offices.
For example, when an Amazonian, at any level of the company, has a big idea, they start by writing a working backwards plan—called a “PRFAQ” with a press release that outlines the vision for a product at launch, an FAQ that explains the customer benefits, and answers theoretical customer questions.
Teams continually evaluate the idea throughout the concept’s evolution by sharing the PRFAQ with other innovators at Amazon. Once "baked," many of these ideas get funding and launch, and some have become programs that our customers love—including Prime Now, Amazon Go, and Alexa. Anyone can write a working backwards plan, whether it’s related to their job or not.
