AmazonAmazon Meeting Etiquette

In-Person Virtual
  • Start the meeting with 15–20 minutes of silent reading so everyone reviews the memo.
  • Keep meetings small – the “two‑pizza rule” says the number of attendees should be small enough to be fed by two pizzas.
  • Leave an empty chair to symbolise the customer and remind attendees to think from the customer’s perspective.
  • Avoid PowerPoint; instead discuss the six‑page memo and encourage detailed narrative thinking.
  • After the silent reading, spend 40 minutes discussing the document and be prepared to answer detailed questions.
  • If you don’t know the answer to a question, say “I don’t know” and explain when and how you will find the answer.
  • Ensure all metrics presented are accurate and thoughtful; do not present numbers without understanding the data sources.
  • Diagnose root causes rather than simply presenting data; align on the problem you are solving.
  • Present multiple options objectively, highlight the recommended option and explain why.
  • Expect assumptions to be challenged and back up every claim with verifiable data.
  • Highlight problems as well as successes; intellectual honesty is valued over good news.
  • Write a structured six‑page narrative memo for each meeting and prepare it at least a week in advance.
Sources
All Companies