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Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is known for his innovative approaches to business and leadership. One of the key principles he champions is "disagree and commit," a strategy that can significantly streamline decision-making processes and foster a more collaborative work environment.
Photo: zz/Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx
Understanding "Disagree and Commit"
In any team or business setting, disagreements are inevitable. People have different perspectives, experiences, and insights that can lead to diverse opinions on how to proceed. Bezos acknowledges this reality and offers a solution: rather than getting stuck in endless arguments, at some point, a decision must be made.
In hierarchical organizations, decisions typically fall to the most senior person, often the CEO. However, Bezos highlights that the senior person doesn’t always have to be right or agree with the final decision. Instead, they can choose to "disagree and commit." This means they trust their team member’s judgment and support the decision, even if they initially disagreed with it.
Bezos' Personal Experience
Bezos shares his own experiences with this principle. He often found himself in situations where one of his direct reports wanted to pursue a course of action he thought was a bad idea. After discussing their viewpoints and understanding the rationale, Bezos would sometimes still disagree. However, recognizing the expertise and judgment of his team members, he would say, "I don't think you're right, but I'm gonna gamble with you."
This approach not only empowers team members but also ensures that decisions are made promptly. Once a decision is made, Bezos commits fully to it, refraining from second-guessing or undermining the decision later on. Instead, he actively works to help make it successful.
Examples of "Disagree and Commit" in Action
Amazon Prime: When Amazon Prime was first proposed, it was a risky idea. Many executives were skeptical about offering free two-day shipping for an annual fee. Despite the disagreements, Bezos committed to the decision. Today, Amazon Prime is one of the company's most successful and popular services.
AWS (Amazon Web Services): The concept of Amazon Web Services faced internal resistance. The idea of providing cloud computing services seemed out of Amazon’s core retail business scope. Bezos, trusting his team's vision, disagreed initially but committed to the decision. AWS is now a major revenue driver for Amazon.
Kindle: The development of the Kindle e-reader involved numerous debates within Amazon. There were concerns about entering the hardware business and competing with established tech giants. Bezos disagreed with some of the initial strategies but committed to the project, which revolutionized the e-book market.
The Benefits of Disagree and Commit
Efficiency: By cutting down on prolonged debates, decisions are made faster, allowing teams to move forward and execute plans more quickly.
Empowerment: Team members feel valued and trusted, which boosts morale and encourages them to take ownership of their projects.
Collaboration: This principle fosters a culture of collaboration, where diverse opinions are heard and respected, but the focus remains on collective success.
Accountability: Once a decision is made, everyone commits to it, ensuring a unified effort towards achieving the desired outcome.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos' "disagree and commit" principle is a powerful tool for effective decision-making in any organization. It recognizes the value of diverse opinions while ensuring that decisions are made and executed efficiently. By committing to this approach, leaders can empower their teams, foster collaboration, and drive their businesses toward success. As Bezos puts it, "I'm gonna try actively to help make sure it works." This mindset not only resolves conflicts but also propels the entire team forward, united in their mission.
Listen to Jeff Bezos: