Working Backwards Book Review: Lessons, Limits, and Leadership

I’ve just wrapped up "Working Backwards" by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, and it’s one of those books that gives you plenty to think about — whether you admire Amazon or have mixed feelings about its methods.

The book walks through several of the principles and practices that helped shape Amazon’s culture and approach to building products. What I found particularly interesting was the hiring process. The idea of the “Bar Raiser” isn’t just about finding smart people; it’s a structured way of making sure that every new hire raises the overall quality of the team. It’s a rigorous system, and while I can appreciate the logic behind it, I couldn’t help but wonder what it’s like to operate under that level of constant pressure day in, day out.

Another concept that stood out was how Amazon picks which ideas to pursue. Before building anything, teams are expected to write a press release and a detailed FAQ — a method they call “working backwards.” It forces clarity early on and ensures everyone is aligned on the customer value. Having worked in product leadership myself, I recognise the value of this kind of discipline. It cuts through noise and helps avoid building for the sake of building.

That said, I do have reservations about some of the more cutthroat elements of the culture described in the book. There’s a relentless drive that seems to leave little room for failure or downtime. And while it’s clearly been effective for Amazon, it’s not a model I’d adopt wholesale without some serious adaptation.

Still, the book is worth reading. It’s well-structured, full of practical insights, and gives you a closer look at how a massive organisation like Amazon thinks and operates. I walked away with a few ideas I’m keen to explore further — and that’s always a good sign.

“You don’t work backwards from technology. You work backwards from the customer.”

— Working Backwards

Personal Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

A compelling read for product leaders and innovators — packed with lessons worth reflecting on, even if some of Amazon’s methods may not be for everyone.