Joshua Fraser explains Amazon's six-page memo practice, which replaces PowerPoint slides to force deeper thinking. Writing a memo demands full context, facts, and strategy in a way slides don't. Bezos believes a good memo is harder to write than a good slide, and that discipline sharpens strategy.
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Amazon's six Page Memo what if I told you that one of the most successful companies in the world owes part of its success to a document? And it's a simple six page memo? That's right. Amazon's approach to decision making, meetings and innovation starts with a written narrative, not PowerPoint slides. Unlike presentations, which often skim the surface, Amazon's memos provide comprehensive context. They answer not just what, but but why, ensuring that every decision is grounded in facts, strategy and foresight. The key to the six page memo is structured storytelling. It walks readers through the problem, context, proposed solution, and supporting data, making complex ideas clear and actionable. As Jeff Bezos put it, writing a good memo is harder than writing a good PowerPoint slide. It forces better quality thinking. The act of writing sharpens your strategy and helps you anticipate outcomes.