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