In an interview with Jeff Bezos, Lex Fridman says that one of the legendary aspects of Amazon is how they approach meetings with the Amazon 6-pager memo. This unique document is known by many as a tool of efficiency, allowing teams to dive deep into critical issues without relying on traditional PowerPoint presentations.

Let’s get started.

What is an Amazon 6-pager?

The Amazon 6-pager (a specific type of Amazon memo) is a structured, six-paged, narrative-style document that Amazon uses to present ideas or strategies in a concise yet detailed format. Replacing traditional PowerPoint presentations, it allows stakeholders to dive deep into the specifics of an idea and make data-driven decisions.

The beauty of an Amazon 6-pager lies in its simplicity and depth, though these two may seem contradictory. Each section builds on the previous one, leading to a logical journey from identifying the problem to presenting a solution backed by data. In short, this unique format promotes clarity, fosters thoughtful analysis, and drives actionable, collaborative insights.

Purpose of an Amazon 6-Pager

The purpose of an Amazon 6-pager is to communicate complex ideas efficiently: That’s why the document:

• Presents information in a straightforward, easy-to-understand format.
• Limits content to 6 pages, which encourages brevity and focus.
• Follows a specific outline to ensure consistent communication.
• Encourages input from stakeholders and teams to refine ideas.
• Serves as a reference for future discussions and projects.

Who can use the Amazon 6-pager format?

The Amazon 6-pager format can be used by a variety of teams within an organization, including:

• Product managers: To propose new features or product improvements.
• Project managers: To communicate project strategies, timelines, and risks.
• Engineering teams: To detail technical proposals or design specifications for new systems or software.
• Business leaders/executives: To present strategic initiatives, company goals, or major business changes.
• Startups and entrepreneurs: To pitch business ideas or solutions to investors or partners.

Amazon 6-Pager Structure and Example

The Amazon 6-pager consists of six sections: Introduction, Goals, Tenets, State of the Business, Lessons Learned, and Strategic Priorities. Written almost entirely in narrative style, it allows for visuals like supporting graphs or tables to be included in an appendix, which has no page limit.

1. Introduction

Ideal length: ~0.5 pages

Focus: Provide a concise summary of the document’s purpose, highlighting key themes or outcomes readers can expect.

Example:

“This document outlines the plan to launch a new subscription-based meal delivery service targeting health-conscious customers. The goal is to expand our market presence and tap into the growing demand for wellness.”

2. Goals

Ideal length: ~0.5 pages

Focus: Clearly outline the measurable objectives the document aims to address, emphasizing alignment with broader company goals.

Example:

• Generate $3 million in revenue within the first year.
• Achieve 50,000 active subscribers by Q2.
• Position the service as the top choice for health-focused consumers.

3. Tenets

Ideal length: ~0.5 pages

Focus: List guiding principles or core beliefs that frame decisions or actions.

Example:

• Customer-centric approach: Always prioritize customer needs and expectations.
• Quality: Deliver high-value services with consistent excellence.
• Transparency: Build trust through honest communication about food sourcing and preparation processes.

4. State of the Business

Ideal length: 1-2 pages

Focus: Give a factual overview of the current situation, discussing both strengths and challenges to provide a balanced perspective.

Example:

“Market research shows that 65% of consumers value convenience in meal options, and the healthy meal delivery market is projected to grow by 20% annually. While competitors focus on low-cost options, our strength lies in premium quality. However, rising ingredient costs due to supply chain disruptions have created pricing challenges.”

5. Lessons Learned

Ideal length: ~0.5-1 page

Focus: Reflect on past experiences, successes, and mistakes, emphasizing actionable insights gained from previous efforts.

Example:

• Previous subscription services saw high initial interest but struggled to maintain growth over time.
• Targeted social media campaigns have consistently outperformed traditional ads.
• Customer feedback highlights the importance of customizable meal plans.

6. Strategic Priorities

Ideal length: 2-3 pages

Focus: Outline the key actions to achieve the stated goals, prioritize items, and provide a high-level roadmap of next steps.

Example: 

• Develop customizable meal subscription plans with flexible delivery options.
• Partner with local organic farms to get high-quality ingredients.
• Execute a targeted marketing campaign highlighting health benefits.
• Leverage customer feedback to improve the service post-launch.

How to Write an Amazon 6-Pager Step-by-Step

With the Amazon 6-pager template in hand, you are now ready to begin writing your own. Follow the steps below to meet the requirements of each section and create a cohesive narrative.

Consider Your Audience

Before you start writing an Amazon 6-pager, you first need to identify who will read the document.

Understand your audience’s knowledge level, needs and motivations; then tailor the tone and depth of information accordingly. Think about questions they might ask and aim to answer them clearly within the document. This will make the 6-pager more relevant and impactful.

Define the Purpose of the Document

A well-defined purpose statement will help you maintain focus and make sure every section contributes meaningfully.

Start by answering the question: “What does this document need to accomplish?” Use this answer to draft a one concise sentence that captures the main objective and expected outcome. Finally, test it by asking, “Does this purpose statement clarify the why and what of the document?”

Gather All Necessary Data

Compiling all relevant information, research, and data beforehand will streamline the writing process and prevent any disruptions.

The information may include market trends, performance metrics, and financial projections. Always check the data is accurate and up-to-date to support your arguments effectively. Additionally, organize the data logically to make it easy to reference while writing.

Write for Brevity, Then Edit for Impact

In this crucial step, focus on getting all your thoughts down first, then refine by cutting unnecessary details and polishing key ideas.

While Goals and Tenets can be written in bullet points, the remaining sections should follow a narrative style. Tenets must be actionable and directly relevant to the topic, serving as guiding principles. Goals, on the other hand, should avoid excessive detail, focusing instead on high-level, measurable outcomes. For Strategic Priorities, the steps listed should be prioritized based on importance and ensure they are achievable.

Proofread and Test for Readability

A clean, polished, and accessible Amazon 6-pager will leave a professional impression and strongly communicate your message.

Carefully review the document for formatting, spelling, and sentence structure to improve flow and readability. AI tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly can identify inconsistencies or awkward phrasing. Double-check that your document is well-organized, with clearly marked sections that are easy to navigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a narrative memo?

A narrative memo is a business document that presents information in a narrative format. It is helpful for offering a comprehensive overview of a situation and its impact. The narrative structure typically follows a chronological order focusing on the progression of the situation, and often concludes with next steps to be taken.

What is the difference between a memo and presentation?

While both memos and presentations can be utilized for strategic planning and product development, the key difference lies in their delivery. A memo is a written, formal document that provides detailed information in a concise format. Meanwhile, a presentation is a visual and verbal tool that summarizes and delivers key points, often for a live audience or meeting.

How does Amazon do meetings?

Amazon meetings are highly structured on clear, data-driven decision making. Using the Amazon 6-pager memo format allows team members to come prepared. Discussions are then focused on addressing the key points outlined in the 6-pager.

Why doesn’t Amazon use PowerPoint?

Amazon style doesn’t rely on PowerPoint as it prefers detailed, written documents like the Amazon 6-pager to support discussions. On the other hand, PowerPoint presentations can oversimplify information and lead to a lack of critical analysis. By using the 6-pager, Amazon encourages a thorough understanding of the topic and deeper engagement.

How does Jeff Bezos take notes?

In the Lex Fridman Podcast, Jeff Bezos stated that he takes notes in the margins of the Amazon 6-pager document. He writes his questions in those margins and crosses them out as he reaches the end of the memo, confirming they are answered one by one. Bezos emphasizes that this method is a major time saver in the long run.

Summary

This blog shared an Amazon 6-pager example and outlined the six essential parts of the document, focusing on each section’s ideal length and purpose. It also provided actionable instructions on how to write an Amazon 6-pager memo, including tips for organizing your thoughts, gathering data, and forming a narrative.

By adopting the Amazon method, you can transform how you communicate big ideas and make data-driven decisions with every memo.