Have you seen the iconic 1967 movie The Graduate? The big takeaway word was “Plastics”.
When it comes to Bezos, the big takeaway word that is a bedrock of his success is “Customer”. As a former retailer, that resonated with me. All too often companies forget that the only reason they exist is to serve their customer.
Bezos gets it. He recognizes the power of being “razor sharp focused” on the Customer.
As a business advisor and coach for more than 20 years, I can tell you that maintaining “razor sharp focus” is one of the greatest challenges faced by CEOs and other business leaders. The fact that he has been able to maintain that focus (on his customer) for more than 20 years is astounding, and a testament to his abilities.
Here is an article from Inc. Magazine summarizing Bezos’ acumen as a leader.
At the end of the article is a link to his “first” letter to shareholders from back in 1997, and his most recent letter to shareholders. Be sure to read both. There are many lessons to be learned.
As always, have a great week.
Henry