Amazon Silent Memo Reading

Amazon uses a unique meeting format where documents are read together in silence at the start of meetings, ensuring everyone is prepared for discussion.

Core Process

• First 10-20 minutes of meetings reserved for silent reading
• Zero expectation to read materials before or after meetings
• Everyone reads the memo/document together at the same time
• Applies to plans, memos, and important documents

Benefits

• Ensures everyone actually reads the material
• Creates focused time for document comprehension
• People take better notes knowing immediate discussion follows
• Forces participants to be prepared to contribute
• More effective than traditional "read before meeting" approach

Why It Works

• Creates accountability through immediate discussion
• Similar to school environment where you know you'll need to participate
• Participants more likely to engage deeply with material
• Eliminates the common problem of people not reading pre-meeting materials
• Described as "huge" improvement over startup-style meeting processes

Implementation

• Baked into the meeting structure itself
• Reading period followed by immediate discussion
• Everyone must bring something to the table after reading
• Considered one of the few "big company things" worth adopting
• More effective than traditional startup meeting approaches

This process was highlighted as significantly better than typical startup practices and recommended for wider adoption across companies.