Amazon CEO reveals three particular traits employees must demonstrate to earn his trust
Trust isn’t built by staying quiet
Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy has revealed three specific traits employees must demonstrate to earn his trust.
Employees are constantly seeking ways to stand out, advance their careers, and earn the confidence of their superiors.
According to the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, employees can earn their boss' trust through 'producing quality work, being dependable, and by being good listeners.'
But if you want to impress someone like Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, you need to go beyond just keeping your head down and following orders.
Advert
The 58-year-old would know something about this, as he previously explained that back in the early 2000s, when he was co-leading the marketing team, he had to present their operating plan to the sales team. However, founder Jeff Bezos interrupted his PowerPoint presentation mid-meeting to tell him that his 'numbers were wrong.'
Despite it being embarrassing at first, Jessy said he learned a great deal about corporate structure in that moment and how to work your way to the top. He was later promoted to become one of Bezos's top advisors before eventually being named CEO in 2020.
Now, in a YouTube video (via Fortune), Jassy has revealed the three traits that will earn your boss' respect.
While you might think being agreeable will make your boss like you more, Jassy disagrees. He notes that this is what many people 'get wrong' when they shy away from challenging their superiors.
Instead, the CEO claims that earning trust comes from three main traits: being 'honest, authentic, straightforward.'
While listening is important, according to Jassy, 'challenging respectfully if you disagree' is equally important for creating a collaborative team.
“If you think we’re doing something wrong for customers of the business, speak up,” he added. “If you own something, and it’s not going well, own it.”
But the responsibility doesn't rest solely on employees' shoulders. In fact, Jassy notes that managers must also demonstrate vulnerability by being 'vocally self-critical, even when doing so is awkward or embarrassing.'
Also, bear in mind that data and evidence are just as important as your argument when delivering your point.
Elsewhere in tech, Jassy addressed how AI will reduce the need for human workers in certain roles but will simultaneously create entirely new types of work opportunities.
During his appearance on CNBC's 'Squawk Box,' Jassy was asked about Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's plan to cut 40% of his staff due to AI productivity gains.
According to Jassy, AI represents 'the most transformational technology shift that we've seen in our lifetime.