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by FmrAMZN_TA 3708 days ago
I'm a highly biased former Amazonian.

I was expecting some real wisdom in this story, but I don't think this qualifies him as a technical leader in any way. I don't even think this needed the cargo-cult-y "leaving the room and coming back with a paper that changes everyone's mind." Couldn't he have just asked for a plan? And the ROI? That seems like management 101.

I have no love for him, but he is a genius. This story doesn't do him any justice (nor is the paper particularly compelling).
1 comments
jrauser 3704 days ago
My point was not to qualify Jeff as a technical leader (though he is an excellent technical leader, IMO). Rather, my goal was to give people a sense for his leadership style, and what it's like to be in a high level meeting at Amazon.

I'm sorry you find the Rickover memo uncompelling. Speaking as an experienced engineer, I happen think it's among the best pieces of engineering writing ever produced.

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