What did I learn during my promotion process at Amazon ?

Sreeraj Menon
Dec 3, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jan 5

OVERVIEW: I am sharing these experiences and insights with the hope that they may assist others in reaching their career goals.

Gratitude! I am incredibly grateful for my current position (especially after this promotion!!) and I recognize that I wouldn't be here without the strong support and encouragement from many people. Therefore, I encourage you to build connections.

Building Connections! Having connections you can reach out to when needed is truly a blessing!...(1) Rather than expecting all your connections to be available at all times, my experience suggests being proactive in building relationships. (2) Begin by identifying individuals within your network (whether at work or outside) who can be resourceful and also hold you accountable. This will keep you motivated. (3) Lastly, seek out people who are different from you. It can be quite awkward to think of someone you've disliked or found strange because of their actions. Take the time to understand what drives them. Start with one such person and show your interest in learning about them. As you delve deeper, you may discover something about yourself that they perceived as lacking!

Mind over Matter! It is a journey and you will have moments to learn from and to re-learn again. I love this clip as it reminds me that I am not alone and to take a deep breath. Enjoy this moment courtesy of Ben Stiller and Adam Scott.
Find an awesome boss! It’s not the company who will serve you, but your manager. By "finding", I mean identifying a leader who needs your strengths in their business and is also motivated to work on your weakness.
Say No, but Know when to say and how to say it! Think of the most frustrating times. Were those times harder because you took on something you shouldn’t have (in retrospect)? Are you there now? If yes, have you shared your concerns to your boss? Although, it does not guarantee that your boss will take it off the plate, they now know that you need help.
Prioritize-prioritize-prioritize: At least twice a day! Blocking time and building a habit to get over your inertia has helped me. Find your own ways via amazing articles like this "This 10-minute morning routine will make you a better parent, entrepreneur, and person".
Be patient and caring to yourself "Self-Compassion"! You are your own CEO. I love the “startup of you” concept.
Emotional Intelligence - Build this "muscle" and go back to it regularly as you get it toned. Enjoy this hilarious clip or a more serious and inspirational clip on conviction, courtesy of Steven Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis in portraying such a great man!!

Learn-Try-Fail-Repeat: I strongly believe we never finish learning. So, here are things that I hope to learn one day:
Influence by investing in people and not by authority! This means your team and your peers will find themselves succeeding in life because of what you did. E.g. Did any pain point that they had, resolve with your support? Are they seen by others as a better person now?
When you are worried or anxious read this - I appreciate the article as its applicable to anything in our life not just work! The 2 emotional states that can boost your self-awareness and productivity
Travel both in mind and body to more places and expose yourself - Courtesy of Steve Harvey who nailed it !!