"Deliver Results" Leadership Principle Explained by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy
Short Summary:
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy explains the "Deliver Results" leadership principle. The core idea is focusing on controllable inputs (initiatives impacting customer experience and business) rather than solely on outputs (high-level metrics like stock price). Jassy emphasizes that successful delivery isn't a finish line but a starting point for continuous iteration and improvement based on customer feedback. This iterative process, involving multiple launches and refinements, is crucial for creating meaningful products and services. No specific technologies are mentioned, but the concept applies broadly to product development and business operations. The implication is that a focus on actionable inputs leads to better long-term results than fixating on immediate, often uncontrollable, output metrics. The "working backwards" document process is mentioned as a key part of the delivery process.
Detailed Summary:
The transcript is divided into three main sections:
Section 1: The Importance of Delivering Results and the Distinction Between Inputs and Outputs:
Jassy introduces the "Deliver Results" leadership principle, stressing its paramount importance. He argues that all other leadership principles (customer obsession, inventiveness, strategic thinking, etc.) are meaningless without successful delivery. He differentiates between outputs (high-level metrics like stock price, revenue, and operating margin, which are difficult to directly control) and inputs (the initiatives driving those outputs, such as specific product improvements or operational changes). He uses an anecdote about a manager obsessively monitoring daily sales fluctuations (an output) to illustrate the futility of focusing solely on uncontrollable metrics. The key takeaway is that focusing on controllable inputs is the path to achieving desired outputs.
Section 2: The Nature of Delivery and the Iterative Process:
Jassy clarifies that delivery is not a one-time event but a continuous process. He describes the significant effort involved in product development (defining the product, creating working backwards documents, hiring teams, etc.). He emphasizes that launch is merely the starting point, not the finish line. He stresses that few products become instant successes; instead, iterative launches, incorporating customer feedback, are essential for building meaningful products. He highlights the importance of being "fast and organized" in launching and iterating.
Section 3: The Iterative Launch Cycle and Achieving Meaningful Results:
This section reinforces the iterative nature of delivery. Jassy explains that successful companies and teams achieve meaningful results through multiple launches and rapid iterations, constantly refining their offerings based on customer response. He uses the example of seven, eight, or nine launches, each building upon the previous one, ultimately leading to a product that resonates with customers. The quote, "launch or delivery is not the Finish Line, it's the starting line," encapsulates this crucial point. The overall message is that continuous improvement driven by customer feedback is the key to delivering truly meaningful results.