Unveiling the Secret Sauce of Amazon's Success: Reading Culture

The Power of Reading: A Cultural Shift in the Workplace

Steve Huynh, a former principal engineer at Amazon, has shed light on an intriguing aspect of the company's culture: its emphasis on reading. Huynh states that during his tenure, he dedicated anywhere from one to four hours each day to reading six-page memos—a practice he deems essential to Amazon's remarkable success. This 'reading culture' is something he believes other organizations should adopt to foster a more informed and engaged workplace.

Why Memo Writing Matters

At Amazon, the culture of writing is tightly integrated with its operations. Employees are encouraged to prepare concise six-page memos instead of long presentations, ensuring clarity and brevity. This practice stems from Jeff Bezos’s directive that all communications should be direct and formatted in a uniform way. Huynh highlights the collective reading sessions that took place before meetings, which allowed employees to be well-prepared and engaged in the discussion.

Enhancing Employer Branding Through Reading

For employer brand managers and HR professionals, instilling a culture of reading and writing can significantly bolster company reputation. As Huynh points out, the focus on reading not only improves communication but also aligns with the principles of a strong employee value proposition (EVP). By promoting a culture that encourages continuous learning, companies can enhance their employer branding, making them more attractive to potential hires.

Implementing a Reading Culture

Leaders looking to implement a reading culture can take cues from Amazon’s practice. By introducing structured reading sessions along with written memos as part of the onboarding experience, companies can improve the candidate journey and employee engagement. This approach not only helps new hires integrate more effectively but also sets the tone for a learning-oriented workplace.

Conclusion: Why This Matters Now

In today's fast-paced environment, fostering a reading culture can be a strategic advantage for organizations. As Huynh emphasizes, the ability to read and digest important information quickly is transformative. Companies should consider how they might implement similar practices to enhance their corporate culture and improve overall performance. By adopting effective reading strategies, organizations can foster communication, enhance transparency, and build stronger connections among their teams.