Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has shared his key to success at work, stating that it is not about being the fastest learner or the smartest person among colleagues, but about having a positive attitude.
Jassy took over as CEO of Amazon in 2021, succeeding Jeff Bezos. In an interview with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky two days ago, he shared his “best career advice.”
The 56-year-old Jassy said, “I think how you perform, especially in your 20s, is largely in part due to your attitude.”
He explained that it is not just about whether your attitude is pleasant or not. Having a positive attitude means being able to excel in a team, meet required deadlines, and possess other advantages.
Jassy said that if you have the right mindset, you should confidently answer “yes” to the following questions:
– Do you work hard?
– Are you more optimistic and proactive rather than resistant to change?
– Do you walk the talk?
– Can you work within a team?
He stated that these strategies are “very simple” but often overlooked.
He added, “People are surprised how uncommon it is for people to actually have a good attitude. I think that has a big impact.”
Enthusiasm can allow you to seize various opportunities, such as expanding tasks and training programs, as you will have more confidence to step out of your comfort zone and believe that you can tackle any challenge.
Jassy joined Amazon in 1997 as a marketing manager when he was just 29 years old. Five years later, he was invited to be Bezos’s first “shadow” advisor, attending all meetings of the CEO as a chief of staff in training.
Some of his colleagues at Amazon advised him not to accept the invitation, but Jassy said he chose to focus on the positive aspects of the job – by accepting it, he could enhance his leadership skills.
He mentioned that he later accepted the role and said, “It was an incredible experience.”
Several studies have confirmed the benefits of maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace – it can improve work efficiency, enhance creativity, prevent professional burnout, and more.
“In the work-life, there are many things you cannot control,” Jassy said, “but you can control your attitude.”
(This article is based on a report by CNBC Make It)