Former Amazon Principal Engineer Reveals the Power of Reading at Amazon

Ever wondered what sets Amazon apart from the rest? Well, according to Steve Huynh, a former principal engineer at Amazon, it's all about the reading culture. Yes, you heard it right! Reading played a pivotal role in Amazon's success, and Huynh believes it's the "secret sauce" that every company should embrace.

The Magic of Six-Page Memos

Reading Sessions: The Amazon Way

Imagine starting your day not with emails or mundane tasks, but with a dedicated reading session. That's exactly how Amazon rolled. Huynh revealed that he spent a significant 1-4 hours daily diving into six-page memos. These documents served as a cornerstone for sharing progress, unveiling new projects, and keeping everyone in the loop.

Jeff Bezos' Memo Mandate

A Culture Set From the Top

Back in 2006, when Huynh joined Amazon, Jeff Bezos, the driving force behind the company, had already set the tone for a writing-centric culture. Bezos championed dense, 10-point font memos over PowerPoint presentations. This approach ensured clarity, depth, and active engagement from employees.

Continuing the Tradition Under Andy Jassy

A Legacy Upheld

Even with Andy Jassy taking the helm as Amazon's CEO, the tradition of memo-writing thrives. Jassy's commitment to concise, six-page narratives echoes the essence of effective communication within the organization. This practice not only informs but also challenges employees to ask the right questions and think critically.

Embracing the Reading Culture Beyond Amazon

Challenges and Rewards

While Huynh has moved on from Amazon to pursue other ventures, he continues to hold the company's reading culture in high regard. He acknowledges the discipline and commitment required to replicate such a practice. After all, instilling a culture of reading and writing demands dedication and leadership from the top.

So, next time you dive into a memo or draft that email, remember the power of words. Embrace the art of reading, for within those pages lie the seeds of innovation and success. Who knows, maybe a six-page memo could be the key to unlocking your company's true potential!

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By: hchandonnet@insider.com (Henry Chandonnet)
Title: Former Amazon Principal Engineer Reveals the Power of Reading at Amazon
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/amazon-engineer-6-page-memos-reading-culture-jeff-bezos-2025-7
Published Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:17:09 +0000