You’ve seen the job listings. You’ve heard the startup pitch. You’ve maybe even been in the room when someone said, “We only hire 10x people.”
The myth of the “10x contributor”—someone who delivers 10 times the results of a typical teammate—has become a kind of shorthand in tech and business culture. It promises speed, brilliance, and shortcuts to success.
But here’s the thing:
It’s not just overhyped. It’s harmful.
And in Episode 13 of Leadership Explored, we’re breaking down why.
🎙 Episode Title:
10x: Rethinking Performance, Output & Impact
🎧 Listen now: leadershipexploredpod.com
What We Explore in This Episode:
🚫 Where the 10x idea actually came from—and why the research behind it doesn’t hold up
⚠️ The hidden costs of 10x culture: ego, burnout, elitism, and blind spots
📊 Why output ≠ outcome—and what great leaders really measure
🧠 What real performance looks like across a career
📈 How to build teams that compound impact over time, not just sprint fast and flame out
Why This Conversation Matters:
The 10x mindset often rewards individual volume over team value. It encourages heroics over systems. It idolizes lone geniuses instead of building environments where people can do their best work together.
We’ve seen firsthand how this plays out:
– High performers who burn out or leave
– Brilliant people who can't collaborate
– Managers who chase unicorns instead of building real, lasting capability
It’s time to move beyond the myth and start leading differently.
💡 Our Take:
The best teams aren’t made of rockstars and ninjas. They’re built from trust, clear systems, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Instead of chasing a 10x individual, build a 10x environment.
And if you want a better model to aim for?
Try the 1.1x mindset.
Small, consistent improvement. Team-first thinking. Value that compounds over time.
That’s how great teams—and great leaders—actually grow.
🎧 Ready to Rethink Performance?
Listen to Episode 13 now → leadershipexploredpod.com
🗣 We'd Love to Hear From You:
Have you ever worked with a self-proclaimed 10x’er?
What does true high performance look like in your world?
What would it take to build a 10x team, not just chase 10x individuals?
Reply in the comments or email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com. We’d love to feature listener stories in a future episode.
📌 Coming Up Next:
Episode 14: The Glue Guy (Gal or Non-Binary Pal)
A look at the teammates who quietly hold everything together—and why their impact often goes unnoticed.
Until then, keep leading with purpose.
—
Ed & Andy
Leadership Explored