Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund
Episode: 13
Runtime: Approximately 52 minutes
Release Date: September 9, 2025
Website: leadershipexploredpod.com
Episode Description:
In this episode of Leadership Explored, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund tackle the loaded and often misunderstood concept of the “10x” contributor — the supposed rock star performer who delivers 10 times the results of an average teammate.
They dive into where the 10x myth came from, why it persists in tech and business culture, and the risks of idolizing individual brilliance over collective success.
This is a practical and thought-provoking conversation for any leader who’s tired of chasing unicorns and ready to build teams that actually work.
Ed and Andy discuss:
Why “10x” is often more myth than metric.
The difference between outputs, outcomes, and true value.
How chasing individual greatness can undermine team performance.
Why sustainable success comes from building high-functioning environments—not finding heroes.
How leaders can shift their focus to system design, team chemistry, and compounding progress over time.
This episode will help you rethink how you define performance, evaluate talent, and create conditions where your teams thrive together—not just compete alone.
Episode Highlights:
⏳ [00:45] – What is “10x” and where did this idea even come from?
⏳ [02:02] – Ed shares a real-life job interview with a self-proclaimed “10x developer” — and why that was a red flag.
⏳ [04:56] – Is “10x” a buzzword now? How it evolved from productivity metric to cultural myth.
⏳ [08:42] – Unicorns, rockstars, and ninjas: How the language around 10x creates false expectations and elitism.
⏳ [10:03] – Why we chase 10x: ego, aspiration, and the illusion of shortcuts.
⏳ [12:50] – Team dynamics matter: careerists vs. jobbers and why every team needs a blend.
⏳ [16:36] – The 10x manager trap: Burnout, blind spots, and bad systems hiding behind high expectations.
⏳ [18:28] – What we really miss when we chase output instead of building performance ecosystems.
⏳ [21:28] – A LinkedIn parable: One quiet engineer’s impact > 100 loud meetings.
⏳ [24:30] – Outputs vs. outcomes: Why business impact always beats activity.
⏳ [30:21] – How the value of performance shifts throughout your career.
⏳ [38:48] – The “glue teammate”: Quiet, often invisible, but essential to success.
⏳ [43:36] – 1.1x vs. 10x: The case for compounding improvement and consistent growth.
⏳ [46:04] – Don’t cut butter with a chainsaw: Match your hires to the problem you need to solve.
⏳ [50:25] – A practical tool: The Team Competency Matrix and how to build smarter teams.
⏳ [51:43] – Final thoughts: Let go of the hero fantasy—build systems that make everyone better.
🎯 This episode is for you if:
You’re hiring or leading a team and wrestling with performance expectations.
You’re tired of buzzwords and want substance over hype.
You’ve ever worked with (or as) a quiet performer who made everything better behind the scenes.
You want to build sustainable teams where excellence is a culture, not a label.
💡 Challenge for Listeners:
Take a closer look at how your team defines success. Are you measuring speed and visibility—or outcomes and real impact? Ask yourself: Am I chasing a 10x person, or building a 10x team?
📬 Got feedback or a story to share?
Email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you.
🎧 Don’t forget to follow, review, and share Leadership Explored wherever you listen to podcasts.
