If you are looking for a model from which you can gather advice and inspiration for self-development, Amazon may not seem like the obvious choice. Delve a little deeper, into how the company operates, however and you may find that there are many lessons to be learned. Here we explore personal development and ask what can we learn from Amazon.
The Amazon Story
As one of the most successful and profitable companies on the planet, one might argue that Amazon and its owner Jeff Bezos must be doing something right. After starting out as an online bookstore Amazon is now an ecommerce behemoth where almost anything can be purchased. As for Bezos, he was the first person to accrue more than $100 billion of personal wealth and is among the richest people in the world – so what attributes made this happen and how what can we take from the story?
Ambition
Both Amazon and Bezos are nothing if not ambitious and this is certainly something that when harnessed properly can significantly help us, as individuals, to develop. Ambition goes hand in hand with passion and drive – all three used together are a force to be reckoned with and one which can help us to realise our dreams and achieve success.
Trust
Customers return to Amazon, time and again, for the service it provides. This, however, would not be the case if they had not earned trust. Also, Amazon puts its trust in other companies, such as National Pallets who help manage, store and distribute parcels in Amazon fulfilment centres. Being trusted to live up to our responsibilities is something everyone must learn if they are to succeed. Furthermore, trusting oneself to make the right decision is paramount to our personal development and happiness.
Reliability
Ask Amazon customers whether or not Amazon are reliable and the answer you receive will be a resounding yes. The company have earned a reputation for outstanding customer service and care. The company, along with their many partners, are able to get items out to their customers quickly and should the customer not be satisfied, Amazon are quick to rectify the situation and make things good. As people, being reliable makes both our professional and private lives a much easier and more harmonious.
There then are three reasons why Amazon has been able to achieve enormous success – ambition, trust and reliability – qualities that aid our personal development and enrich our lives.
