Part 2: The 10x Factors That Make Up A 10x Employee

You discovered how to get hired quicker in Part 1 which reveals the first five 10x factors.

Now let's see how you can earn a higher salary, or a higher bonus, or get a promotion quicker, or get headhunted by other companies when you apply the remaining five 10x factors to your career.

Here they are:

10x Factor No.6: Habits

Habits are the daily routines and behaviours that govern your work ethic and overall performance.

Good habits can set you apart and fast-track your career growth. Here are those I think are important:

1) Punctuality

Being punctual means showing up on time, every time.

When you’re consistently on time, it shows that you’re serious about your work and can be counted on.

If you're holding meetings, you should start EXACTLY on time -- the time you said you would start. This no-leeway approach isn't to show that you're inflexible, but that you're respecting those who are on time.

In other words, if you wait for latecomers to turn up before you start, you're basically not respecting those who turned up early. If you wait, those who are early now may come later the next time you have a meeting.

Of all the habits you can have, being punctual is the EASIEST one to do, but it has a HIGH impact on your colleagues.

I know this, because I am a punctual person. I would usually be 15 minutes, sometimes 30 minutes early for any appointment.

It is not that I enjoy wasting my time by being earlier. I formed this habit because I used to, and still have, a very bad sense of direction.

Prior to smartphones and Google Maps or Waze, whenever a meeting is held at a location somewhere out of the office, I would frequently get lost trying to get there (I repeat - I have a very bad sense of direction. It’s a “spatial” defect — I have no natural sense on where I am and how to go where I want to go without spending some time figuring out my bearings — and even then I frequently get my bearings wrong).

The extra 30 minutes is to afford me enough time to make U-turns or get back to the proper roads should I lose my way. Otherwise if I stuck to reaching my meeting exactly on time, and I did get lost, I would be late.

Because of this, I have almost always been early for each and every meeting I went to. This then became a habit, and it doesn't matter now that we have smartphones and Google Maps or Waze to guide us there with an estimate of how long the journey will take. I am always early.

And because I'm always early, I developed a reputation for always being on time. In doing so, I noticed that punctuality is a positive trait, because others WILL notice or comment about me being always on time, by those who are on time themselves, and those who are late because they see me always earlier than them.

This also applies to virtual meetings over ZOOM or Google Meet. If you're always early, the host and other on-time fellow attendees will notice this. If you're the host, the attendees will notice this.

And if you’re hosting a virtual meeting, once the clock hits your starting time, you should START ON TIME with no apologies to those who are late. This shows that you value everybody's time and you don't tolerate latecomers.

In time, the latecomers will learn to come early or on time because you’re not going to wait for them, for fear of being the “disruptors” or those who don’t toe the line, so you have another benefit. This also subtly enables you to have some “influence” over those you are interacting with on a daily basis, which is another positive.

2) Being Organised

Being organised is about having a system in place to manage your tasks and responsibilities.

When you’re organised, you can handle more work with less stress, meet deadlines with ease, and avoid mistakes.

This habit increases your efficiency and productivity significantly.

Here’s a simple and actionable plan for a 10x employee to become more organised:

Task Prioritization

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorise tasks into four quadrants:

• Important and Urgent: Do these immediately.

• Important but Not Urgent: Schedule time to do these.

• Urgent but Not Important: Delegate if possible.

• Not Urgent and Not Important: Consider eliminating these tasks.

I find this simple Eisenhower Matrix to be extremely useful as I’m doing the most urgent and important work first to get them out of the way.

Otherwise they will nag at me throughout the day, if I continue to procrastinate on doing them. This adds to my stress.

I remember when I was studying law in the UK, I had to meet an administrator about my dorm room request. He met me, acknowledged my request via a form I had to fill in physically, and said that he would be processing it in due time. I met him at his office 2 days later to enquire about the progress.

He pointed to a stack of papers he was working on one by one in front of him -- and my papers were somewhere in there.

His implied answer was that there was a queue, and I just had to wait until he got to it. To him, my request was important, but not urgent.

He did get to my request a few days later and did whatever was needed to be done.

Meeting him in person wouldn't give me any advantage, as he had the queue system in place to ensure he was as efficient as he could be without having to deal with anybody first just because he showed up in person.

3) Planning Ahead

Planning ahead is more than just organising your to-do list. It's about being strategic in how you handle your work.

For example, if you have a project due in a month, instead of waiting until the last minute, you could break the project into smaller tasks and assign deadlines for each.

By planning ahead, you can build in extra time to accommodate any delays or unexpected consequences, ensuring that the project still meets its final deadline.

This way, you ensure that every part of the project is completed on time, and you avoid the stress of last-minute rushes.

Another example is anticipating potential challenges.

Suppose you're working on a team project, and you know there's a risk of delayed feedback from a key stakeholder.

Or if you’re waiting for an investor to tell you when his money’s coming in. You need to plan for when the money’s not coming in, irrespective of what he says.

Why?

Because he may change his mind. Or he doesn’t really have the money he said he has. Or he may get hit by a bus in the meantime.

If you have tried raising funds before, you’ll know this is true.

The money’s only in, when it’s in.

A promise is not a guarantee.

By planning ahead, you can still proceed with alternative investors you have found while waiting for your main investor to wire his funds to your company.

4) Constant Learning

Constant learning is crucial for you to stay competitive.

Take, for example, a software developer who regularly takes online courses to learn new programming languages.

By doing so, he not only improves his coding skills but also becomes more versatile and able to tackle a wider range of projects.

But many employees frequently just settle down and stop learning or adding to their knowledge.

This is despite there being a huge amount of free or inexpensive materials and resources online that they can read (even when sitting on the toilet), listen to (when driving, or running, or cooking) or watch with full concentration in a suitable environment.

This continuous learning makes them a more valuable member of the team, as they can adapt to new challenges and contribute in more meaningful ways.

Another example could be a marketing professional who stays updated on the latest digital marketing trends by reading industry blogs and attending webinars.

When they apply this new knowledge to their campaigns, they may introduce more effective strategies that lead to better results for the company.

For example, if you're regularly bringing fresh ideas and improvements to your work based on what you've learned, your colleagues are likely to see you as forward-thinking and proactive, which a plus point for you.

In addition, with more knowledge that comes from constantly learning, you’ll have no end of materials for good and interesting conversations with your colleagues.

Being a good conversationalist will increase your influence with everybody you talk to and makes you a 10x employee. It’s simple - but most employees have no idea of its impact!

10x Factor No.7: Values

Values are the principles that guide your actions and decisions at work.

For a 10x employee, it’s not just about having strong personal values like integrity, respect, hard work, creativity, and customer focus.

It’s whether your company’s values align with yours.

When your company’s values match yours, you’re setting yourself up for meaningful success.

Suppose you value creativity. You love coming up with new ideas, solving problems in unique ways, and thinking outside the box.

Now imagine you’re working at a company that values innovation. Perfect match, right?

Your personal value of creativity feeds directly into the company’s drive for innovation. This isn’t just about doing your job, it’s about contributing to the company’s mission in a way that feels natural to you.

Your work becomes more than just tasks on a list.

You will be proud to do them, which makes a huge difference in your end result.

Aligning your values with the company’s also prepares you for leadership roles.

Companies want leaders who live and breathe their values because those values drive the company forward.

When you live by the company’s values, you will gain influence over your colleagues.

10x Factor No.8: Performance

Performance is about how well you do your job.

Consistently performing at a high level sets you apart and opens doors to better rewards and bigger opportunities.

Here’s how you can boost your performance:

1) Completing Tasks Well

Completing tasks well isn’t just about getting the job done to the best of your ability. It's about delivering high-quality work.

If the best of your ability is not of high-quality, you'll need to improve on this aspect.

This is because every time you deliver high-quality work, you build a reputation for yourself as a valuable colleague to have.

2) Going the Extra Mile

Going the extra mile means doing more than what’s expected. It’s about putting in that extra bit of effort to exceed expectations.

Whether it’s staying late to finish a project or stepping in to help a colleague, going above and beyond shows that you’re committed to the company’s success.

Of course, there’s a balance you need to make, to ensure your entire life isn’t consumed with your work.

This is important for your mental and physical health, even though when you’re starting off, you need to have the stamina and strength to toughen it out for months on end.

3) Being a Team Player

Being a team player is about collaboration, good communication, and supporting your colleagues.

Employers highly value team players because they create a positive and productive work environment.

A positive work environment helps your company to retain its staff for longer periods, which cuts down hiring costs and increases efficiency.

In addition, when you’re seen as a key part of the team, it can lead to more leadership opportunities and promotions.

4) Being Resourceful

Being resourceful is about finding creative solutions to problems and making the most of what you have.

It also means thinking on your feet and adapting quickly to changes.

When you’re resourceful, you handle challenges with confidence, making you an asset to any team.

Let’s say you’re working in a small startup with limited resources, but you need to develop a new product feature to stay competitive.

Instead of waiting for more funding or resources, you brainstorm innovative ways to build the feature using what’s already available. 

You might repurpose existing technology or collaborate with another department, or even another company, to share resources.

By being resourceful, you help the company grow and succeed despite its limitations.

This is exactly what I did when I was just starting out as a lawyer in my brother's law firm.

My department needed to be more efficient in producing legal documents for our clients. So I installed a powerful piece of software that didn't cost much to work with our existing printers.

This increased our efficiency by a factor of 4. 

In other words, we could do 4 times more work with almost zero increment in costs, and which resulted in our clients giving us even more work that increased our profits significantly. 

10x Factor No.9: Leadership

Leadership is about guiding others well and with respect.

It’s also knowing when to follow another leader, if required.

Strong leadership skills can significantly speed up your career progression.

As stated, there are 2 aspects to this:

1) You Can Lead

Being able to lead means you can step up, motivate others, and guide a team toward a common goal.

Leadership isn’t just for managers. It’s a quality you can show at any level.

Here’s how you can demonstrate leadership:

Example 1: Managing a Project

You’re given a challenging project with a tight deadline. Instead of just focusing on your part, you take the initiative to organise the team, assign tasks, and keep everyone on track.

You motivate your colleagues by setting clear goals and offering support when needed.

By the time the project is completed successfully, it’s clear that you’re someone who can lead, and your boss takes notice.

This could lead to more responsibilities, a promotion, or a raise.

Example 2: Mentoring a Colleague 

A newer colleague is struggling with their tasks. Instead of watching them fail, you step in to mentor them.

You share your knowledge, help them overcome challenges, and boost their confidence.

Your colleague starts performing better, and management sees the positive impact you’ve made. This shows you’re ready for bigger roles and greater responsibilities.

2) You Can Be Led

Just as important as leading is the ability to be led by others.

This means you can take direction, follow guidance, and work within a team without letting your ego get in the way.

Here’s why it matters:

Example 1: Following Guidance on a New Initiative

Your company launches a new initiative, and you’re not in charge this time. Instead of pushing your own ideas, you follow the direction given by the project leader.

You focus on contributing your best work, support your team, and adapt to the leader’s style.

Your willingness to follow shows that you’re a team player who understands the bigger picture.

This balance of knowing when to lead and when to follow is highly valued and often rewarded with career advancement.

Example 2: Adapting to a New Team Structure

Your company reorganises, and you’re now working under a new manager with a different approach.

Instead of resisting the change, you adapt quickly, learn from the new manager, and align your efforts with their direction.

Your ability to be led well shows that you’re flexible, open to learning, and committed to the team’s success.

In short, strong leadership is about knowing when to lead and when to follow. Mastering both will set you up for faster career growth and greater rewards.

3) You Are A Good Communicator

Good communication skills is essential to being a good leader.

Being a good communicator means clearly conveying your ideas, instructions, and feedback to others, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

In a leadership role, this is crucial because your ability to explain your vision and expectations directly impacts your team’s performance.

Example 1: Giving Clear Directions

Imagine you’re leading a project, and the team needs to understand the objectives and deadlines.

As a good communicator, you break down the project into clear, actionable steps, explaining each person’s role and how it contributes to the overall goal.

You also encourage questions and provide feedback along the way to ensure everyone is aligned.

This clarity prevents misunderstandings, keeps the team focused, and drives the project to success.

Example 2: Providing Constructive Feedback 

As a leader, you often need to provide feedback to your team. A good communicator knows how to deliver this feedback in a way that’s constructive and motivating.

Instead of simply pointing out what went wrong, you explain the impact of the mistake, offer suggestions for improvement, and reinforce what’s been done well.

This approach not only helps the individual improve but also creates a positive, growth-oriented environment within the team.

4) You Are A Good Conversationalist

Being a good conversationalist is another key aspect of leadership.

It’s not just about sprouting words, but engaging in meaningful dialogue, listening actively, and connecting with others on a deeper level.

This skill is vital for building relationships, understanding different perspectives, and creating a collaborative atmosphere.

Example 1: Building Rapport with Your Team

As a leader, you need to build strong relationships with your team members. Being a good conversationalist allows you to do this by showing genuine interest in their thoughts and experiences.

For instance, during one-on-one meetings, you listen carefully to their ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and share relevant insights.

This kind of interaction builds trust and respect, making your team more likely to follow your lead and feel valued.

Example 2: Handling Difficult Conversations

Leaders often face challenging situations where difficult conversations are necessary — whether it’s addressing a conflict, discussing performance issues, or delivering bad news.

A good conversationalist handles these situations with empathy and tact. You approach the conversation with an open mind, listen to the other person’s perspective, and respond thoughtfully.

By maintaining a calm and respectful tone, you defuse tension and work towards a solution that’s acceptable to all parties involved.

I talked about being both a good communicator and good conversationalist in Part 1 for you to have a higher chance of getting hired.

But both are equally as important to your progression in your career once you are hired.

10x Factor No.10: Being Intrapreneurial

Being intrapreneurial means thinking and acting like an entrepreneur within the company.

This mindset can significantly boost your career by showing how valuable you are in driving the company’s success.

1) Acting In The Company’s Interest

An Intrapreneur always puts the company’s goals and interests first — the same reason why you’re hired.

This means prioritising what’s best for the company, whether it’s in your daily tasks or larger projects.

Example 1: Streamlining Processes

You noticed that a key process is slowing down productivity.

Instead of just accepting it, you suggest a more efficient method that saves time and resources.

By acting in the company’s best interest, you show your commitment to its success. This kind of loyalty and dedication builds trust with leadership.

2) Taking Initiative

Taking initiative means not waiting for instructions but proactively finding ways to contribute.

Intrapreneurs don’t just do their jobs. They actively seek out opportunities to improve processes, solve problems, and add value.

Example: Proposing a New Project

You see an opportunity to develop a new service that could fill a gap in the market. Without being asked, you draft a proposal, complete with potential benefits and a plan for execution.

Assuming you fully understand the gap and the product and you have done a great job with the proposal backed by good insights and research, this proactive approach can set you apart and signals to your employer that you’re ready for bigger roles (and a bigger pay check).

3) Giving Suggestions on Increasing Revenues and Reducing Costs

Intrapreneurs are always looking for ways to improve the company’s bottom line.

This could mean finding new revenue streams, optimising existing ones, or cutting unnecessary costs.

Example: Expanding Into a New Market

You're in the product department. You notice that the company’s products or services are doing well in your current market, but you see potential for growth in a neighbouring region or a new demographic.

After conducting market research, you identify a specific audience that’s underserved but could benefit greatly from what your company offers.

You present a detailed plan outlining how to enter this new market — this could include targeted marketing strategies, potential partnerships, and a budget for the expansion.

By suggesting a strategic move to tap into a new revenue stream, you demonstrate not only your understanding of the current market but also your vision for the company’s growth.

If your plan is implemented and the company sees increased sales and profits, your role in driving this expansion becomes clear.

This kind of forward-thinking and initiative can lead to bonuses, promotions, and a stronger position within the company.

4) Implementing Plans

Having ideas isn’t enough. An intrapreneur takes the next step by implementing them, with permission.

This shows that you’re not simply about ideas, but that you can implement too.

Example: Executing a Marketing Campaign

You suggest a new marketing strategy that could attract a broader audience.

If you’re able to, and with your boss’s permission, you lead the team to execute the campaign, monitor its progress, and make adjustments as needed.

By successfully putting your ideas into action, you directly contribute to the company’s success.

Employers reward this kind of initiative and follow-through with higher salaries, bigger bonuses, and quicker promotions.

In short, being intrapreneurial means taking ownership of your role, finding ways to contribute beyond your job description, and turning ideas into action.

This mindset not will only drive the company’s success but also accelerate your own career growth.

After all — how many employees in your company will even think of doing this?

=========

And that wraps up Part 2 and all the 10x Factors that make up a 10x employee!

To be sure, there’s much more to say for each of the 10x Factors above.

Much, much more.

But this will do for now, as it’s for you to get a general idea of what it takes for you to be a 10x employee, and the steps to get there.

Remember - most of your colleagues won’t know what it takes, or if they know, won’t do what they need to do to be a 10x employee.

Yes, it’s not going to be easy to become a 10x employee — but that’s exactly the reason why you’re going to be rewarded to be one

If you’re really want to advance your career quickly, there’s no shortcut to doing this. So give it your best shot and see what happens!

If You Are A 10x Entrepreneur

You will need to have 10x employees working for and with you, as you cannot grow your company properly or quickly if you are the only person in your firm who matters.

If you don’t have these 10x employees, you are not yet a 10x entrepreneur. In this case, you can either:

1) Show them this issue and see who takes the initiative to do what is required and you’ll have some candidates for consideration.

OR

2) Start hiring and promoting key personnel based on whether they have these 10x Factors for your business to have the highest chances of achieving exponential growth and success.

OR

3) There is a third option where you start a business that does not require you to have 10x employees, or any employees at all. In this case you will do almost everything on your own — and yet you can still become a 10x entrepreneur. Watch out for my thoughts on this, as it is coming soon.

For now, you just need to be strategic to surround yourself with the right employees who are smarter than you, are equally as committed as you, and have more energy than you — and you'll have a much better chance of succeeding than your competitors who either don’t know about The 10x Factors, or if they know, won’t do what is necessary.

Cheers

P.S. If you have some other factors you think is essential for an employee to become a 10x employee, let me know what they are and why they’re important.

P.P.S. Do share this issue with a loved one who are employees, for them to know what it takes to be a 10x employee, if they so wish.