Jeff Bezos' Unique Meeting Strategy for Honest Employee Feedback
- Jeff Bezos introduced a silent reading period before meetings to ensure all employees were informed.
- He encouraged speaking last during discussions to promote open communication and engagement.
- These innovative practices have contributed to Amazon's success and influenced other business leaders.
In the United States, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, implemented unique meeting practices that contributed to the company's success. One significant change was the elimination of PowerPoint presentations in favor of a 30-minute silent reading period at the beginning of meetings. This allowed employees to read a detailed memo outlining discussion topics, ensuring everyone was informed and engaged. Bezos believed this approach fostered better discussions and accountability among attendees, as it prevented executives from bluffing their way through meetings. His girlfriend, Lauren Sánchez, noted that one of the best lessons she learned from him was to speak last during discussions, allowing others to share their thoughts first. Bezos emphasized the importance of concise meetings, advocating for efficiency in discussions to maximize productivity. These practices have been recognized by other business leaders, indicating a broader trend in corporate meeting strategies.