For The Employee

👉 Success Principle: Respect Hierarchy

What It Is

Respecting hierarchy means understanding and valuing the organisational structure and the roles of those within it. You follow established protocols, seek approvals when necessary, and address issues through the appropriate channels. By recognising the importance of each level in the chain of command, you demonstrate professionalism and respect for the system that supports effective decision-making and collaboration.

Why It Works

Respecting hierarchy creates a harmonious work environment where roles and responsibilities are clear. It ensures smoother communication by directing information and feedback through the proper channels, preventing confusion or conflict. Showing respect for authority also helps build stronger relationships with managers and colleagues, further creating trust and teamwork. When you respect the structure, it’s easier to gain support for your ideas and opportunities for growth within the organisation.

Example

You might feel tempted to undermine your manager if you believe they lack leadership skills, if you want recognition directly from senior leadership, or if you see hierarchy as a barrier to progress. Poor relationships or mistrust between you and your manager could also drive this feeling. Or, you may fear that your ideas will be dismissed or undervalued, making it seem easier to bypass your manager altogether.

If you’re in this position, focus on addressing the issue constructively while respecting the hierarchy. Instead of bypassing your manager, communicate openly and professionally. For example, if you have a concern or idea, present it in a way that focuses on solutions: “I believe we could achieve even better results by trying X. What are your thoughts?” This approach shows initiative without being confrontational and shows that you want to help.

You’ll want to align your work with the team’s goals and consistently deliver high-quality results. When you perform well and demonstrate professionalism, you build trust with your manager and show that you’re a reliable and valuable team member. Over time, this can improve your relationship with your manager, making them more open to your ideas. By respecting the hierarchy, you avoid unnecessary conflict, maintain strong relationships, and position yourself for long-term success within the organisation.

👉 The 10x Version: Build Influence Within the Hierarchy

What It Is

Building influence within the hierarchy means contributing ideas and insights in a way that respects the organisational structure while demonstrating your value. You present well-thought-out solutions, support team goals, and align your efforts with the company’s strategic direction. In doing so, you position yourself as someone who not only respects authority but also drives meaningful change.

Why The 10x Principle Is More Powerful

This approach allows you to leverage the hierarchy as a platform to amplify your contributions rather than seeing it as a barrier. When you consistently add value and communicate effectively within the chain of command, you build trust and credibility with both your peers and leadership. Over time, you become a key influencer whose opinions are sought after and respected. This positions you as a proactive team member who shapes decisions and contributes to the organisation’s success, paving the way for leadership opportunities.

Example 1

When your manager delegates a task, you not only complete it as instructed but also suggest improvements that align with the team’s goals. You provide a clear rationale for your ideas and seek your manager’s feedback, positioning yourself as a proactive and thoughtful contributor.

Example 2

You identify a strategy that could benefit the company. Instead of presenting it directly to senior leadership, you first discuss it with your manager and propose collaborating on a detailed plan. By respecting the chain of command and involving your manager, you gain their support while ensuring the idea is well-received at higher levels.

For The Entrepreneur

👉 Success Principle: Stay Consistent

What It Is

Consistency means doing what needs to be done regularly and reliably, both for your team and your customers. It’s about showing up every time, meeting deadlines, and keeping your promises. You could be aligning with your team or responding to customer needs — being consistent shows that you’re dependable. Over time, this builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps you achieve your goals while building loyalty from both staff and clients.

Why It Works

People trust businesses and leaders who are dependable. When you’re consistent, your team knows they can rely on you for guidance and support, while your customers feel confident in your ability to deliver. This reliability strengthens relationships and creates compounding growth as trust and loyalty build over time.

Example 1

You make it a habit to meet with your team every morning to align on daily priorities, address internal challenges, and ensure customer needs are met. Over time, this consistent communication fosters trust, enhances teamwork, and ensures both team and customer expectations are consistently exceeded.

Example 2

You ensure every client inquiry is followed up within 24 hours, without fail. Your prompt responses and consistent reliability reassure your customers, earning their trust and significantly increasing conversion rates, whether they’re new prospects or returning clients.

👉 The 10x Version: Systems For Relentless Execution

What It Is

Design systems that make consistent execution automatic. Use processes, tools, and teams to ensure your business delivers reliably, no matter what. By creating these systems, you transform your efforts into a streamlined and scalable operation that consistently delivers results.

Why The 10x Principle Is More Powerful

Systems free you from relying on willpower alone. They scale your efforts, ensure quality, and allow you to focus on strategic growth. A well-oiled execution system transforms your business from steady to unstoppable.

Example 1

Instead of manually following up with client invoices each month, you set up an automated billing system. This system ensures that invoices are sent out on time, reminders are scheduled for overdue payments, and records are updated automatically. By streamlining the process, you maintain consistency in managing finances without needing to handle every detail manually.

Example 2

You implement a CRM tool that automatically sends follow-up emails to potential clients after their inquiry. The system personalises each message, schedules reminders for manual follow-ups and tracks responses, ensuring no lead is ever overlooked. This automation increases client satisfaction and closes deals faster.

For The Investor

👉 Success Principle: Stay Curious

What It Is

Always be curious about new ideas, technologies, and industries. Ask questions, explore different perspectives, and step outside your usual comfort zone. Curiosity keeps you informed and ahead of the competition.

Why It Works

The best opportunities are often hidden in places most people don’t think to look. When you stay curious, you uncover trends or investment opportunities others overlook, helping you diversify and tap into new areas for growth.

Example 1

You attend a conference outside your industry, such as one on renewable energy, and learn about emerging trends. You use this knowledge to explore investments in clean energy, gaining an early advantage in a rapidly growing market.

Example 2

You listen to interviews or podcasts featuring experts from different industries, like fintech or space exploration. This helps you gain fresh perspectives on market trends and identify sectors with untapped potential, expanding your investment knowledge and options.

👉 The 10x Version: Explosive Intersections

Take your curiosity further by connecting ideas from different fields to uncover hidden opportunities. Look at how innovations in one area might affect others, such as how AI could transform healthcare or how environmental changes could shift the agricultural market.

Why The 10x Principle Is More Powerful

Looking across industries allows you to see patterns and opportunities that others miss. Instead of just following trends, you’re identifying new possibilities at the intersections of industries, leading to game-changing ideas or investments.

Example 1

At the same renewable energy conference, you network with professionals in AI and learn how machine learning is being used to optimise solar panel efficiency. Recognising the potential, you invest in a startup working at this intersection, positioning yourself ahead of the curve.

Example 2

You explore how behavioural economics insights apply to real estate. By studying how buyers make emotional decisions, you adapt your investment strategy to target properties with features that appeal to this psychology, increasing your returns.

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NOTE:

The 10x Factors for investors’s content is educational in nature, with examples used to illustrate the learning points. We are not financial advisors and do not provide financial advice. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Note that every investment comes with its own risks and drawbacks. Past results cannot guarantee future returns. Do not invest with money you cannot afford to lose.

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