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Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has introduced a unique and effective meeting culture at the company, which might seem unusual at first. Instead of relying on PowerPoint presentations, Amazon uses a different approach that fosters better discussions and more thoughtful decisions.
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The Six-Page Memo
At Amazon, meetings begin with a six-page memo. This memo is not just a collection of bullet points; it's a narratively structured document filled with full sentences, topic sentences, verbs, and nouns. This detailed memo sets the stage for a productive discussion by providing a comprehensive context.
Silent Reading Time
Before any discussion begins, everyone in the meeting sits around the table and reads the memo silently. This usually takes about half an hour. This quiet reading time ensures that everyone has fully absorbed the information and is prepared for a meaningful conversation. It's a practice that ensures no one can bluff their way through the meeting pretending they have read the memo.
The Benefits
This method has several benefits over traditional PowerPoint presentations. Firstly, it ensures that everyone has read the memo and understands the context. This leads to more informed and engaged discussions. Secondly, it eliminates the possibility of executives skimming through documents or slides and missing crucial details. By dedicating time to read the memo at the start of the meeting, Amazon ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Encouraging Thorough Preparation
This unique meeting culture also encourages thorough preparation. Since the memo needs to be read by everyone, it must be well-written and comprehensive. This means that the person preparing the memo has to think deeply about the topic and present it clearly, leading to better overall planning and decision-making.
Why It Works
Amazon's meeting culture works because it emphasizes real understanding and thoughtful discussion. By removing the reliance on bullet points and ensuring everyone reads the same detailed memo, Amazon fosters a culture of thorough preparation and informed decision-making. This approach ensures that meetings are productive and that everyone involved is genuinely engaged and informed.
The Takeaway
Jeff Bezos' approach to meetings at Amazon might seem unconventional, but it's incredibly effective. By using detailed memos and dedicating time to read them, Amazon ensures that meetings are meaningful and productive. This unique meeting culture emphasizes thorough preparation, real understanding, and thoughtful discussions, setting a high standard for effective communication and decision-making.
Listen to Jeff Bezos:
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