Executive 1:1s — Using Them Well
How to turn meetings with your manager and senior leaders into strategic career leverage
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In my 15-year-long Amazon career I had only one "1:1" with an Amazon SVP.
Jeff Bezos and his SVPs were too busy (with too many reports) and he famously stopped having 1:1s with anyone, including his direct reports.
Jeff felt that 1:1s at this level were low value and mostly gave leaders a chance to complain about each other. He told them that they were all very senior and to work out their problems with each other directly (not with him).
Jeff used the time he freed for decision meetings. Bring him a tough business decision, one too large or critical to be made without the CEO (e.g. acquiring a company like Whole Foods) and use the time in a goal-oriented way.
The SVPs largely copied this style, though they would have occasional "classic" 1:1s with their direct reports.
For example, my final managers, Amazon VP Mike Frazzini and Twitch CEO Emmett Shear, met with Andy Jassy between once a month and once a quarter.
The reason behind rare to non-existent 1:1s is simple:
All VPs are supposed to know how to handle their day-to-day activities 100% on their own. There is no "checking in." You are expected to proactively report major issues and to ask for help when you need it, which should be rare.
Use the small slice of time the SVP or CEO can give you (still only a few hours a month) for key proposals, decisions, and problems where you come prepared with a specific document about the issue. The meeting is then spent going deep, discussing the options you have presented, and making a choice.
This model is very different than the routine 1:1s we are all used to.
At lower levels, 1:1s serve as frequent check ins on both project status and career development.
By the VP level at Amazon, it was assumed that you had these mastered.
If you get time in an Executive 1:1, here’s how to get the most out of it:
In a 1 hour and 4 minute talk exclusive to paid newsletter subscribers, I explain executive expectations, what makes an effective executive 1:1, how to be successful in a skip level meeting (and avoid ruining it), how to lead good “regular” 1:1s with your manager, how to strategically bring up and discuss your career in a 1:1, the manager’s perspective (so you know what they are thinking and can prepare), and then answer member Q&A.
Watch the video below (along with more audience questions at the end of this newsletter).