Divergent Working Backwards (3 PR/FAQs)

Overview

An enhancement of Amazon's "Working Backwards" process. Instead of writing one Press Release, the team writes three distinct, divergent PRs to explore different strategic directions before converging.

Core principle: Power of Three—always explore three radically different solutions.

The Process

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ 1. DEFINE THE CUSTOMER PROBLEM │ │ What are we solving? │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 2. IDEATE 3 DIVERGENT SOLUTIONS │ │ NOT variations—strategic alternatives │ │ Example: Tiered vs. Points-based vs. Segment-focused │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 3. DRAFT 3 DISTINCT PR/FAQs │ │ Full press release for each future │ │ Include compliance, legal, ops details │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 4. STAKEHOLDER REVIEW & DEBATE │ │ Compare the 3 futures │ │ Force real trade-off discussions │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 5. SELECT ONE PATH & COMMIT │ │ Disagree and commit once chosen │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key Principles

Principle Description

Divergence first Prevents falling in love with first idea

Show don't tell Write full PR/FAQ, not just bullet points

Leadership choice Give real options, not yes/no on single plan

Commit after debate Once chosen, full commitment

Common Mistakes

• Writing three variations that are only slightly different

• Not pushing to truly divergent strategic alternatives

• Skipping the full PR/FAQ detail for each option

Source: Anuj Rathi (Jupiter Money, Swiggy) via Lenny's Podcast