explore · Strategy · 60–90 min · 4-12 people · medium energy

Strategic Planning Examples from Amazon

This method uses examples from Amazon's strategic planning to inspire a new approach within your own organization. It encourages teams to think differently about their strategic planning process by examining real-world applications.

When to use Strategic Planning Examples from Amazon

Use this method when your team is stuck in a rut with traditional strategic planning and needs fresh perspectives and practical examples to spark innovation.

What it solves

Stale strategic planning processes, lack of innovative ideas, difficulty translating strategy into action.

How to run Strategic Planning Examples from Amazon, step by step

  1. Introduce the activity and explain that the goal is to learn from Amazon's strategic planning examples. (5 min)
  2. Present 2-3 examples of Amazon's strategic planning approaches (e.g., customer obsession, long-term thinking). (15 min)
  3. Facilitate a discussion about each example, asking participants to consider how it could be applied to their own organization. (45 min)
  4. Capture key insights and potential actions on a whiteboard or shared document. (20 min)
  5. Summarize the discussion and identify next steps for implementing the insights. (5 min)

Materials needed

  • Presentation slides or handouts with Amazon's strategic planning examples
  • Whiteboard or shared document
  • Markers or digital pens

Facilitator tips

  • Focus on the underlying principles behind Amazon's examples, rather than just copying their specific tactics.
  • Encourage participants to be creative and think outside the box.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may get bogged down in the details of Amazon's business model and lose sight of the broader principles.
  • Ensure the discussion remains focused on actionable insights for your own organization.

Variations

  • Invite an external speaker who is familiar with Amazon's strategic planning to share their insights.
  • Focus on a specific aspect of strategic planning, such as innovation or customer centricity.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a shared document or whiteboard tool to capture and discuss Amazon's examples and their relevance to your organization.

What it produces

A list of actionable insights and potential changes to your organization's strategic planning process, inspired by Amazon's examples.

Origin

Inspired by Amazon's strategic planning approach — source

Build a session around Strategic Planning Examples from Amazon

METODIC places Strategic Planning Examples from Amazon inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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