Executive Andy Jassy Discloses Key Factors That Have Maintained His 28-Year tenure at Amazon
In a candid share, Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy dishes on his 28-year tenure with the e-commerce giant. Initially, he never thought he'd stick around one company for so long, but here he is, celebrating Amazon's success and dishing out some knowledge nuggets for any career-savvy individuals out there.
Let's dive into the reasons behind Jassy's loyalty to Amazon, insights that every business leader and professional should mull over.
Amazon's Question Everything Attitude
First off, let's get a handle on Amazon's "Why Culture," the engine powering their business and innovation. In a nutshell, Amazon is all about asking "why" and "why not" relentlessly. According to Jassy, this helps them break down problems, get to the bottom of things, dodge obstacles, and unlock solutions that might have previously seemed impossible. This "WhyQ" has been instrumental in some of Amazon's most groundbreaking innovations.
Three Reasons for a Long Haul
So, what's keeping Jassy tied to Amazon for nearly three decades? He drops three specific reasons:
1. Customers Comin' at Y'all
"I'm not sure any company Prioritizes Customers as relentlessly as we do," Jassy admits. This isn't just talk; Amazon's customer-centric approach has earned them top marks for customer satisfaction according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). A customer-first strategy also translates into cold, hard cash. Accenture research shows that companies focusing on delivering exceptional experiences for customers, employees, and society GROW their profitability at rates at least six times higher than their industry peers.
Career tip:
Look for companies that genuinely focus on putting the customer first. Companies that genuinely create value for customers will offer more meaningful and sustainable career opportunities. When assessing your current or future employers, don't stop at eye-catching mission statements; examine actual decision-making processes. Your efforts should directly benefit customers, creating a sense of purpose and developing marketable skills you can leverage across industries and roles.
2. A Global Impact
"It ain't easy to find a company where you can make a bigger impact on the world than at Amazon," Jassy says. The size of Amazon's operations grants employees the opportunity to work on projects that matter to millions, even billions, of people worldwide. From revolutionizing the shopping experience to revolutionizing the way businesses build technology infrastructure, Amazon's reach is downright astounding.
Career tip:
Evaluate the broader impact of your work. Are you contributing to change on a global scale? The sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing your work positively impact the world can keep you engaged and fulfilled. Even in smaller organizations, aim for roles that directly impact products, services, or experiences that matter to others. This sense of purpose is essential for a fulfilling career.
3. Thinking Long-Term, Not Leprechauns
Jassy also calls out Amazon's approach to making investments and taking risks. "We make significant long-term investments in both inventions and people," Jassy shares. Instead of obsessing over quarterly results, Amazon keeps its eyes on the prize. McKinsey research shows that companies with a long-term orientation outperform their peers, boasting 47% higher revenue growth and 36% higher earnings growth. This long-term vision allows Amazon to develop innovative ideas that might have been scrapped under short-term pressure.
Career tip:
As you plan your career path, look for companies that focus on taking a long-term approach and developing their teams. Organizations that invest in both talent and ideas will provide a more satisfying and fulfilling work environment. And, as you evaluate potential employers, look for those that view employees as long-term assets rather than disposable resources. These companies will offer better growth opportunities, resulting in increased job satisfaction.
Bonus: Fantastic Co-Workers
Though Jassy lists three reasons for his longevity at Amazon, he adds a fourth: great colleagues. "Never encountered a more intelligent, creative, ambitious, hungry, hard-working, and missionary group of teammates than we have at Amazon," he notes. The quality of your co-workers makes a huge difference in your work life. According to a study by Gallup, having a "work bestie" strongly correlates with engagement and productivity. Avoiding toxic colleagues and working alongside people who inspire and support you can turn challenging work into something energizing.
Career tip:
When evaluating career opportunities, focus on the people you'll be working with. Try to meet potential co-workers to assess whether their values and work ethic align with yours. The caliber and character of your co-workers often determine your daily experience more than any other factor. Even a prestigious role can be a drag with toxic colleagues; on the flip side, challenging work becomes bearable with colleagues who inspire and support you.
- Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon, attributes the company's "Why Culture" - relentlessly questioning "why" and "why not" - as a significant factor behind its groundbreaking innovations.
- Jassy acknowledges that the company's customer-centric approach, which prioritizes customers above all else, plays a crucial role in Amazon's success and growth.
- According to Jassy, Amazon's global impact, driven by its massive scale and wide-reaching projects, offers employees a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in the world.
- Research conducted by McKinsey shows that companies with a long-term orientation, such as Amazon, outperform their peers and are more likely to invest in both inventions and people.
- Surrounded by intelligent, creative, ambitious, and hard-working colleagues, Jassy highlights the importance of the quality of one's team in creating a positive work environment and driving success.
