What is Jeff Bezos’s ‘Day 1’ philosophy at Amazon?
Encouraging employees to act as if every day is the first day of the company’s existence.
According to Inc.com, which type of CEO keeps bringing on new products to foster growth?
The ‘Create the Future’ leader.
According to Inc.com , How does a ‘Fast Follower’ CEO typically operate?
By quickly mimicking the successes of other companies.
According to Inc.com, What defines a ‘Head in the Sand’ leader?
A leader who limits future investment to maximize profit from core businesses.
What has been the primary criticism of Andy Jassy’s leadership at Amazon compared to Bezos?
A lack of organizational dynamic and creative leadership.
According to the Amazon Midlife Crisis article, what effect did shifting LPs to punitive benchmarks have on employees?
It eroded employee trust and interest.
What is the primary function of long-term business success
The ability to compete successfully in both mature and new businesses simultaneously.
What two factors pair with organizational alignment to cause ‘Success Syndrome’?
Structural and cultural inertia.
Why should new ventures be structurally separated from the mature business?
To achieve their own alignment without being micromanaged by the core business.
What is the primary focus of an ‘Exploit’ leader?
Narrowing (reduce variance, hit targets, and increase efficiency.)
What is the primary focus of an ‘Explore’ leader?
Opening (increase variance, learn from failure, and pursue discovery.)
How does an ‘Ambidextrous Leader’ act as a bridge?
They ensure ‘Exploit’ doesn’t starve ‘Explore,’ while ‘Explore’ doesn’t waste resources without learning.
What does the phrase ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’ imply?
Culture is a necessary prerequisite for successfully transforming an organization.
According to Schein, what are ‘Underlying Assumptions’ in an organization?
Deep and unconscious beliefs about the organization.
What are ‘Norms and Values’ in Schein’s cultural framework?
Expectations that can be explicitly articulated or practiced.
What are ‘Cultural Artifacts’? in Scheins levels
Visible manifestations of culture such as dress, symbols, and language.
What is ‘Cultural Lock-In’? in Schein’s levels
The inability to change deeply embedded assumptions despite shifts in the environment.
What are the four stages of Cultural Lock-In leading to failure?
Past Success → Rigidity → Resistance → Decline.
Under what three conditions does a strong culture become a competitive advantage?
When it creates value, aligns with strategy, and is difficult to imitate.
What are three benefits of strong cultural norms?
Reduced ambiguity, increased coordination, and increased conformity.
five common mechanisms used to build a strong culture.
- Leader actions (repetitious messaging).
- Involvement (building ties)
- Clear signal (stories or symbols)
- Aligned reward systems
- Aligned HR systems
How did GM’s CEO shift the ‘head nod’ culture into a contract of execution?
By treating a nod as a formal commitment rather than a private refusal to implement change.
What is the ‘Paradox of Success’?
Factors that led to initial greatness (efficiency, strong culture) eventually become traps preventing adaptation.
What does the concept of ‘Organizational Ambidexterity’ suggest a firm must do simultaneously?
Exploit current resources for today’s profits and explore new opportunities for tomorrows growth.
