Why the “10x” Myth Might Be Undermining Your Team
Leadership Explored – Episode 13 preview + reflections on performance, ego, and building real value
You’ve probably heard it before.
“I’m a 10x developer.”
“We only hire A players.”
“She’s a rockstar—10x the output of anyone else.”
It’s a concept that’s baked into tech culture, startup thinking, and more than a few job descriptions. But is it real? And even if it is—should we be chasing it?
That’s the conversation we’re unpacking in Episode 13 of Leadership Explored, dropping this Tuesday.
What is “10x,” really?
The idea of the “10x” contributor originated from a 1960s research study comparing the best and worst software developers. But even those findings—limited and questionable—have been mythologized over the years into something else entirely.
Today, “10x” often means:
Someone who’s 10 times more productive than their peers
A supposed elite performer who outshines the team
A shortcut to success that skips over systems, context, and collaboration
In theory, it’s a tempting promise: do more with less, faster, and better. But in practice? It creates more problems than it solves.
The dark side of 10x thinking
In this episode, we talk about the unintended consequences of this mindset:
⚠️ Hero culture over team performance
When one person’s output is idolized, others often shrink back, stop sharing, or burn out trying to compete.
⚠️ Outputs > Outcomes
We start measuring success by code shipped, hours worked, or tasks checked—without asking if any of it actually solved the right problem.
⚠️ Blind spots in leadership
The “just hire better people” mindset lets managers ignore broken systems, vague priorities, or poor team chemistry.
And ultimately, we forget what performance actually looks like—and how different it can be depending on your role, career stage, or team context.
What we should focus on instead
Here’s the shift we’re proposing:
✅ Build high-performing teams, not chase high-performing individuals
✅ Measure outcomes and value, not just speed or volume
✅ Create environments where performance can scale—not just show up once
✅ Embrace the idea of 1.1x → small, consistent improvements that compound
“True 10x impact isn’t about lone genius—it’s about how someone multiplies the performance of others.”
— from Episode 13
Coming Tuesday: Episode 13 – “10x: Rethinking Performance, Output & Impact”
We’ll be exploring:
🎯 The flawed origins of the 10x myth
🎯 How it shows up in hiring, culture, and leadership narratives
🎯 Why output ≠ value—and what to track instead
🎯 What leaders can do to build better systems and stronger teams
🎯 Real examples of quiet impact vs loud hype
Whether you’ve worked with a self-proclaimed “10xer” or you’ve been one yourself, this episode invites you to rethink how we define—and recognize—true performance.
Join the conversation
We’d love to hear your take:
➡️ Have you ever worked with someone who claimed to be 10x?
➡️ Have you felt pressure to be one?
➡️ What actually drives performance in the teams you’ve led—or been part of?
Leave a comment below or send us a note at leadershipexplored@gmail.com. We might feature your thoughts in a future episode.
🎧 New episode goes live Tuesday, September 9
Subscribe or listen at www.leadershipexploredpod.com
Until then—lead with purpose.
– Ed & Andy
Leadership Explored