You can work long, hard, or smart, but at Amazon.com you can’t choose two out of three.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote encapsulates the unique ethos and demands of Amazon.com, a global behemoth in the realm of e-commerce and technological innovation. At its core, the statement dissects the intricate balance between the intensity of work, its duration, and the approach one takes to tackle it within the context of Amazon's organizational culture.
Firstly, the quote underscores the notion of hard work. Hard work is often associated with perseverance, diligence, and dedication to achieving one's goals. It signifies putting in the effort and labor required to meet the challenges and demands of a task or a role. At Amazon, the emphasis on hard work is palpable, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Employees are expected to exert themselves fully, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in pursuit of organizational success.
Secondly, the quote touches upon the concept of working long hours. This aspect speaks to the endurance and stamina required in the fast-paced environment of Amazon. The company is renowned for its relentless pursuit of growth and its relentless work ethic, often characterized by employees working long hours, including nights and weekends. This relentless drive for continuous improvement and innovation necessitates a willingness to invest significant time and energy into one's work. However, it also raises important questions about work-life balance and the potential toll that extended hours can take on individuals' well-being.
Finally, the quote introduces the idea of working smart. Working smart involves strategic thinking, efficiency, and leveraging resources effectively to achieve desired outcomes. Unlike the traditional notion of simply working hard or putting in long hours, working smart emphasizes effectiveness over sheer effort. It encourages employees to prioritize tasks, streamline processes, and capitalize on opportunities for optimization and automation. At Amazon, working smart is essential for navigating the complexities of the business landscape and driving sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market.
However, the crux of the quote lies in its assertion that at Amazon, one cannot selectively prioritize two out of the three options: working long, hard, or smart. In other words, success at Amazon demands a holistic approach that encompasses all three elements simultaneously. While it may be tempting to focus solely on working hard or putting in long hours, neglecting the importance of working smart can lead to inefficiencies and burnout. Similarly, relying solely on working smart without putting in the requisite effort or time may result in missed opportunities and subpar results.
Ultimately, the quote serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of success in the modern workplace, particularly within the context of a high-pressure, high-performance culture like that of Amazon.com. It underscores the need for individuals to strike a delicate balance between hard work, time management, and strategic thinking in order to thrive in an increasingly competitive and demanding environment.
Who said the quote?
The quote "You can work long, hard, or smart, but at Amazon.com you can’t choose two out of three." is often attributed to Jeff Bezos (Bio / Quotes). Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur and founder of Amazon, one of the largest and most successful companies in the world.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
