Jeff Bezos' advice for when to push back at work — and when to move on
While Jeff Bezos says workers should speak up if they feel strongly, they still need to commit to whatever decision is made.
In an era where leaders want to move swiftly, it becomes essential to avoid becoming the one who hinders progress. Jeff Bezos, the creator of Amazon, introduced the term "disagree and commit" in a 2016 shareholder letter, which has recently gained popularity once again. Bezos sourced this concept from the management philosophy that arose in the 1980s when Andy Grove managed Intel.
The core idea behind "disagree and commit" is to assert your case and build a strong argument. However, if the group converges on an alternative decision, it is crucial to commit to that choice instead. Bezos argued that using this approach could save a significant amount of time. If you are confident in a specific direction, even without unanimous agreement, it is helpful to say, "I acknowledge our disagreement, but will you take the risk with me on this?" and propose "disagree and commit."
For instance, Bezos himself utilized this strategy when Amazon Studios initiated a project he didn't believe would be successful. Instead of prolonging debates, Bezos disagreed but pledged his support to the project. The next time you find yourself disagreeing with a colleague, present your perspective fervently. Once a decision is reached, reflect on whether there's anything you can do to assist in its implementation.
Ultimately, it is not necessary to concur with every decision at work. However, everyone benefits when there is a mutual understanding that once a decision is made, everyone should rally behind it and strive to make it function effectively.
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