14 Amazon Leadership Principles and Why They Matter

by / ⠀Career Advice / September 27, 2025
Not many countries have the capability and luck to have grown as largely as Amazon has. At this point in time, the massive corporation has a revenue of up to $400 billion. In fact, it has the largest value to its brand than many other large corporations that we know of. It makes sense that so many people flock to Amazon because of its service capabilities. But, many others tend to go and work there because they want to be the next Jeff Bezos. However, in order to become a leader, they may want to learn what the 14 Amazon Leadership Principles are. We will take a look at what these leadership principles are so that you can utilize them in your life. With that being said, let’s get started!

The 14 Amazon Leadership Principles

Focus on the Customer

Amazon has pledged to put their customers at the front of their minds, that way, customers will earn their trust. If a business does not focus and take care of its customers then it will surely fail. Plus, you and your company have to hold yourselves accountable for all good and bad things that can happen. By placing emphasis on customer care, this will lead to more success to the business.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Amazon leaders are known for taking responsibility for what their team does. Besides that, they also focus on business and ensuring that it is successful at all times. This means doing things the right way without cutting corners. No matter what the action is, it relates to the company in some way.
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Make It Easier

When it comes to inventing something new, that can take time. It is the same when there are problems as well. A company needs creative solutions to problems. Sure it is easy to use the same solutions to problems in the past, but consider being innovative with a  problem. Perhaps you found a quicker way to solve a problem. This takes time as you need to find the solution that would work best.

Make Good Judgement

While a leader is not required to have an innate sense of good judgement, it is a skill you need to require. For a leader like at Amazon, one must work on their decision-making. Of course, it needs to be decisions that will affect the company in a good way, but it does not sacrifice customers or employees for it.

Always Be Learning

Another Amazon leadership principle is to always be learning. Someone who shows curiosity and a desire to keep learning is an important person to have around. New ideas and topics can help make a company expand in new ways never thought of. Having that curiosity helps keep your mind up to date with the latest news and it keeps leaders informed of what is going on in the business.

Bring In the Best

Amazon, like any other business wants to hire the best and brightest there is in the job market. Some of these hires could be the next leader of the company. That is why it is important to have interview questions and the rest of the hiring process. Finding a skilled person can be instrumental to the success of the company.
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High Standards Only

Amazon’s leadership principles have mentioned its desire for its leaders to have high standards. Of course that makes sense. A business that has high standards will be known for its care for its company, customers, and employees. But, one should never be too high of standards, otherwise you will fail. Plus, hold yourself to the same high standards. You all work for the same company thus, you all need to have the same care.

Think of the Bigger Picture

Amazon leadership has to think big. An inspiring vision for the company is what employees look for motivation. Short-term goals are fine, but don’t ever let them be the final takeaway. There is always a bigger picture that needs to be seen. Do this by clear communication and guidelines to help employees understand their role.

Act Fast

There will be times when problems or situations occur. For a leader, this means having to think fast and give a quick response to any problem. Depending on the situation, it is good to get as much info as you can before making an official decision. Acting too quickly can have unforeseen consequences.

Stay in the Budget

A self-sufficient team is a good team. At Amazon, they want their leaders to use creativity and be resourceful with what they have. Constantly needing more finance and personnel shows the makings of a poor leader. By having an innovative mind, one can stay in budget and still have quality.

Trust

All businesses are built on trust. A good leader is someone who knows they can’t do it alone. That is why you have a whole team of people working with you. Trust in their abilities and they’ll trust your leadership. Let people speak their minds and let them be heard.
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In the Details

Someone who goes through Amazon’s leadership principles should know that the details are just as important as the whole picture. By focusing on the small details, it shows care in the final product or service. For a leader, have a degree of connection to all levels of the organization.

Be Your Own Person

One of the most important skills a leader needs to have is able to disagree, commit, and form your own opinion. When there are major changes being made, challenge it with respect and cause. Dismissing others or backing down is not the makings of a leader. But, again, a leader is someone who knows they can’t do it by themselves. Sometimes the others know more than the leader.

Results

Regardless of everything above, a leader needs to deliver results. That is what is the most important at the end of the day. Sure there may be problems and challenges, but by getting it done, no matter the state of the project, it shows your commitment. Afterward, learn from your mistakes and ensure that the next time will be better.

About The Author

Hello! My name is Tristan Anderson and I live in Manhattan, Kansas. I enjoy being in nature and animals. I am also a huge geek who loves Star Wars and has a growing collection.

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