Amazon’s Bruising, Thrilling Workplace: Leadership Tactics at Amazon

Leadership Tactics at Amazon
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Leadership Tactics at Amazon
Introduction
Amazon is one of the most successful enterprises in the world. Its work ethics, corporate culture, learning and developing environment and change management practices have set it apart and allowed it to attain such a status in this globally dynamic business world. A critical analysis of the article reveals practical tactics used by leaders at Amazon. Certain interview responses also display the fact that Amazon has toiled to promote all of its written principles into the work attitude and ethics of its junior to mid-level employees. There are, however, certain sensitive issues like feedback systems and harsh language that needs to be looked into. Based on the identified strengths and weaknesses, an attempt has been made to provide practical recommendations. These suggestions can be put into effect with little or no effort at an organization as big as Amazon but it will definitely portray noticeable improvements in the corporate culture of this tech giant.
Main premise and Supporting Details
The main premise of the article is based on how employees at Amazon thrive and which leadership practices help them become successful at their ‘favorite’ workplace. Not only the leaders, but the general staff has also considered Amazon’s work principles to be something bigger than mere statements. According to some Amazonians, as mentioned on page 3, they preach these principles and guidelines to their children as well (Kantor, Jodi and David, 2015). Moreover, at Amazon, people with practical skills, creative minds and goals to make innovation, are welcomed. Another detail which supports the main idea of this article is the emphasis on performance management and transparency within the organization. A number of supporting details which assist the aforementioned values of the organization are found in the response of interviewees. While some mentioned that they were working with some sharpest colleagues, others are evidential of the fact Amazon is a customer-driven platform (Kantor, Jodi and David, 2015). Examples of delivery-by-drone projects, specifically of the ‘frozen doll’ are significant details which support the main premise and thesis of the article. On the other hand, where business tycoons have labeled their greatest HR people as ‘happiness managers’ and ‘human potential unlockers’ (as in Unilever), Amazon tends to exploit its employees. Amazon is still conservative in its work practice while weighing it to recent researches about process improvements through utilization of human potential (Bogsnes, 2016).
Leadership Tactics at Amazon
Orientation and On-job Training
Throughout the article, the author has discussed the orientation of new employees. It comes up as an integral part of Amazon’s on-job training feature; where beginners are given a flavor of their future work culture in their initial days at the company. For freshers or even slightly experienced workers who have invested their precious time in earning academic qualifications, Amazon provides a visual summary of its employees’ typical day at work.
Conflict
Another excellent tactic used at Amazon is that it allows conflicts. According to some transformational leaders at the organization, it is necessary to have conflict and disagreement to save the organization from making wrong decisions and ultimately landing on the right errands (Kantor, Jodi and David, 2015). When employees are given the right to disagree or contribute in terms of their conflicts, they feel heard, and it gives them a sense of ownership in the organization. When one owns a business, he deems it as his utter responsibility to make it succeed, and that’s how Amazonians are motivated towards working.
Transparent Performance Management System
When an organization has a transparent performance management system, where only those stay who perform, all employees drive themselves. They belong to the organization and consider its success as their own, and vice-versa.
Goals
It is their employees’ mission to promote and propel corporate culture. The work practices of Amazon are primarily based on customer satisfaction, innovation and creativity. The concept of ‘creating facilities even before the customers need them’ is imprinted on the minds of individuals who choose to work at Amazon (Kantor, Jodi and David, 2015). So, the ones who opt for such a workplace knowingly usually have a better sense of responsibility, motivation and job satisfaction.
Leadership Tactics and Corporate Culture
Principles
The article is quite clear on its point that Amazonians also promote the same culture at the managerial level. Organizational heads, managers, team leaders have a custom of talking about missions, goals, targets, plans and budgets during meetings and even lunchtimes. This is a core principle there and it is a norm, which goes without saying. ‘Prin...