How to Answer: Amazon has 16 Leadership Principles. Name three of them and explain how you embody those principles.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Amazon job interview.
17. Amazon has 16 Leadership Principles. Name three of them and explain how you embody those principles.
What You Need to Know
Amazon's leadership principles have been developed over the last 20+ years. Jeff Bezos stated Amazon's mission was "to be Earth's most customer-centric company" in his first shareholder letter in 1997. Until 2021, there were 14 leadership principles, but two more were recently added, making 16. Familiarize yourself with each principle and how they define each one, as these are considered "an integral part of the fabric of Amazon's culture."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
When answering this question, try to go above and beyond by sharing more than three, showcasing your familiarity with what defines each principle. As they say on their site, "We use our Leadership Principles every day, whether we're discussing ideas for new projects or deciding on the best approach to solving a problem. It is just one of the things that makes Amazon peculiar." The leadership principles are Customer Obsession, Ownership, Invent and Simplify, Are Right a Lot, Learn and Be Curious, Hire and Develop the Best, Insist on the Highest Standards, Think Big, Bias for Action, Frugality, Earn Trust, Dive Deep, Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit, Deliver Results, Strive to be Earth's Best Employer, & Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"Ownership is the first one I readily identify with, as I have a lot of integrity, and take ownership over my responsibilities, my mistakes, all of it. Also, Hire and Develop the Best. I earned the nickname of coach early on, because I am always coaching others and helping them along. Developing my peers and my teams is something that comes naturally to me. Also, Dive Deep resonates with me. If I need answers, I will find them. If there is work to be done, I will set the pace. I love participating, and enjoy getting my hands dirty."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have read through Amazon's leadership principles, and the ones that resonated with me most were earning trust, having a backbone, and delivering results. I wholeheartedly agree that a good leader will treat others respectfully, despite a difference of opinion. I am sure to see setbacks as challenges versus roadblocks. Lastly, I am unafraid to challenge a decision respectfully if I feel passionate about it."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I was pleased to see that Amazon has such solid leadership principles that are so well laid out. The three that stood out to me the most were customer obsession, ownership, and frugality. As a former business owner, I understand the importance of working with tight resources, even if they are not. This practice can encourage a lot of creativity. Customers are everything, so being obsessed with earning their trust will always work out in your favor. Lastly, I agree that a leader should act like an owner in every single way. Long-term thinking is important, as is jumping in wherever needed rather than acting as though it's not your job. Leaders are never above a task."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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1) Invent and simply: When I was at _______, I invented new demos and redesigned existing ones to reduce complexity and simplify the messaging, resulting in intuitive and engaging demos that shortened sales cycles.
2) Hire and develop the best: I built two new teams at _______, hiring primarily for raw talent, then mentoring them to polish their skills. Some of my team members subsequently won global awards for their performance.
3) Earn trust: A key part of trust is shared goals. Life isn't a zero-sum game. So I primarily use a "giver" approach at work, helping others to be successful, even when it isn't my job or doesn't directly benefit me. For example, I helped a colleague unblock a project with a local bank. Some of the bank employees were blocking progress. My colleague came to me because I had helped him previously, even though it wasn't my job. Then I had to build trust with the bank employees, by listening as they described their problems, honestly accepting responsibility, and then committing to actions that would delight them. That project subsequently won an industry award, and a senior executive at the bank publicly thanked me for my contributions."
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