Ethan Evans, an executive coach and former vice president at Amazon, identifies a straightforward strategy for employees seeking promotion: solve problems for your boss. During his 15-year tenure at Amazon, where he led global teams including the Amazon Appstore and Amazon Gaming, Evans promoted numerous employees and contributed to developing future leaders. He explained that by addressing their supervisor’s challenges, employees become more valuable and increase their chances of receiving bigger opportunities within the company. According to Evans, this approach makes bosses more inclined to retain employees who consistently help them, even if those bosses are perceived as difficult.
Evans shared these insights in a recent podcast interview, crediting a former Amazon colleague—now a senior vice president at Walmart—for the core principle, summed up in five words: “Solve problems for your boss.”
He noted that many professionals struggle to advance because they do not focus on the skills required for higher-level positions. Early career success often depends on hard work and technical expertise, but advancing further requires a shift toward different competencies such as delegation and effective communication. Evans emphasized that clinging to technical skills like coding may hinder progress, as it can lead to micromanaging colleagues who might have alternative approaches.
To navigate these challenges, Evans suggests engaging in conversations with individuals a level or two above one’s current role. These discussions are intended not for feedback but for practical advice, helping employees understand the differences between their current responsibilities and those expected at the next level. “Identify what’s different about that level and get good at that, as opposed to just work harder,” he explained. “I see so many people working brutally hard, but ineffectively.”
Evans’ leadership experience at Amazon included managing teams of more than 800 people and promoting eight direct reports from senior manager to director. His guidance underscores the importance of adaptability and proactive problem-solving as employees seek career growth, encouraging a focus on value creation rather than solely on effort or technical skills.
