[January 9, 2021] Jeffrey Preston Bezos, popularly known as Jeff Bezos, is the richest man in the world. He has the distinction of becoming the first person in modern history to reach the 150 billion US dollars mark and then recently touched 200 billion too. As of 18th December, his net worth is around 184 billion, but as the holiday season is at its peak, no one will bet against the number going high.
Don’t get a notion that all these mind-boggling numbers mentioned above came easy. From a modest beginning, when he started his company single-handedly, he has come a long way. His picture of working on a wooden table with a computer has now become iconic. It is used to motivate people that anything is possible.
So, what can we learn from his insane success over the years? The following three traits are just some of the mantras that Bezos believes in, and any business can also reap benefits by acting upon the lessons we have learned from him.
- Nothing is Impossible
You may not have an idea that Amazon was not an instant success. He started the company in Seattle to get the talented and technical workforce he required as Microsoft was headquartered near the city in Redmond, WA. He made sure that he was on top of his game in attracting the best talent and then used their skills to grow his company.
His success is phenomenal, as the phrase “nothing is impossible” certainly has more meaning when you look at what he has achieved over the years. While Amazon became an established company before the Dotcom bubble crash in early 2001 and 2002. Many investors feared for the worst in the aftermath of that and tried to pick businesses and shares considered safe. But Bezos knew that whatever he was doing would bear fruits if he worked hard, and the result is for anyone to see.
- Take Calculated Risks
This point can be termed as the logical extension of the previous point as I will discuss how Bezos started businesses that worked even as they looked risky. For example, when he started Amazon Web Services (AWS), many people doubted that it would become a success. Some thought that a web design agency would be suitable to establish as there was less risk involved in those projects. But he proved everyone wrong by starting one successful venture after another and cemented his place as one of the most famous and successful entrepreneurs of all-time.
- Listen to your Customers
If I say that at Amazon, customers are taken care of, this will be an understatement. In numerous polls and surveys, Amazon has been ranked number one to offer customer support and help find the product their customers need. Amazon works diligently, even in the holiday season, and makes a strong case for itself.
Over to you
If you think that you can add something valuable to this blog or want to ask something, you are more than welcome. For any feedback too, please use the comments section below.
Good article, thanks.
Listen to your customers, good customer service, the customer is always right, etc. These are indeed the hallmark of good leadership. Jeff Bezos is a good example. Let’s learn how he does things, how he thinks, and how he constructed his company’s vision. That way we can duplicate it (to some degree). But remember that even great leadership is prone to failure and distraction when not grounded in ethical values. 😊
Point taken, Max. Well said. This is however a pretty good article. I know that Gen. Satterfield limits the length of them to make sure that all the points are quickly laid out. Some people just pontificate and go on and on and on… Oh, I’m doing that. Anyway, thanks.
Thank you for the guest article. Well done. Keep up the good works.
“Take calculated risks.” This is the most important piece of leadership you can mention. However, I will say this is also the most difficult and complex. Risks are hard to measure accurately and the risks keep changing all the time. That is why we say “keep you eye on the ball.” If we let our attention slip just a little, band, we’re dead. So, for the best leaders means to train and mentor other leaders to work with you.
Well said, Army Capt. Not everything is as easy as it may appear to those of us on the outside looking in.
Thanks Mr. Thayani for a superb article. I also like your picture…. he he… fire breathing!
Good article, Imran! Thanks. Good that you use someone successful as a way to grab out attention. However, just because a person is rich and successful doesn’t always make for the best example. Remember that Adolf Hitler was one of the most effective leaders of the 20th century and he was evil.
Good point, Tom. Thanks.
…. and so it goes. Another article – very positive and direct – from Mr. Thayani. I do like what he writes and I think he is one of the better guest writers. Gen. Satterfield has allowed him back for a second time and it shows why.