Amazon has 14 Leadership Principles. Name a few of these principles and explain how you embody them.
Amazon's 14 Leadership Principles are the pillars on which Amazon stands. Its leaders visit these principles when they approach problems and tackle new ideas. The principles briefly are:
1. Customer Obsession - Leaders start with the customers
2. Ownership - Leaders are owners
3. Invent & Simplify - Leaders expect innovation
4. Are Right, A Lot - Leaders are right, a lot
5. Learn & Be Curious - Leaders never stop learning
6. Hire & Develop the Best - Leaders raise the bar
7. Insist on the Highest Standards - Leaders have relentless standards
8. Think Big - Leaders create bold direction
9. Bias for Action - Leaders know that speed matters
10. Frugality - Leaders accomplish more with less
11. Earn Trust - Leaders treat others respectfully
12. Deep Dive - Leaders stay connected to the details
13. Have Backbone - Leaders respectfully challenge decisions
14. Deliver Results - Leaders deliver, despite setbacks
The interviewer wants to see that you have taken the time to learn Amazon's Leadership Principles and that they resonate with you. When giving your response, be as specific as possible regarding how you embody a few select principles. It's important that the interviewer can visualize your leadership approach in action and see that it aligns well with Amazon's principles.
"I was pleased to explore Amazon's 14 Leadership Principles and learn that many of them are principles that I actively embody in the workplace and my personal life. The three principles that I related to the most are Deliver Results, Earn Trust, and Learn & Be Curious. I believe that when I keep the momentum going at work, even if I face a setback, it sets an excellent example for my team. For instance, just last month, our team encountered a significant roadblock that could have caused a major issue with our client. Instead of showing discouragement, I held an open and honest meeting with the team, where we made a plan for tackling the issue head-on. We did not let the situation intimidate us and got back on track quickly. When it comes to earning trust, I am an ally to everyone. I place significant emphasis on inclusion, and my team members know they can come to me with any concerns they have. When it comes to learning and being curious, I encourage each team member's self-development and professional development. I commit to continual learning, and I am curious about innovations. For example, every month, I read two books; one to strengthen my abilities as a Product Manager and one to grow as a person. I encourage my team members to do the same. We often exchange books and reading suggestions which helps draw us closer as a team."
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