We are 10x engineers – The real way to spot them

I always thought of 10x engineers as a specific type of engineer that follow the 10x rule, as detailed and discussed by Grant Cardone in his book `The 10x rule`. More on that book here: https://jamesclear.com/book-summaries/10x-rule

> The 10X Rule says that 1) you should set targets for yourself that are 10X greater than what you believe you can achieve and 2) you should take actions that are 10X greater than what you believe are necessary to achieve your goals. The biggest mistake most people make in life is not setting goals high enough. Taking massive action is the only way to fulfill your true potential.

If you're an engineer, the best way IMHO is to work with other engineers on a trial basis or tiny project if you can. Interviews are usually of low utility, especially non-engineers doing the hiring or interviews that don't delve into real engineering problem-solving. You will develop a better gut sense and know good engineers when you see them: relentlessly resourceful, picks-up concepts fast, asks good questions, cleverly pragmatic, anticipating "gotchas" and hopefully bearable/approachable.

PS: "10x" seems like a buzzword blogger fashion than anything useful.

I do a fair bit of the interviewing for my office and if I hear the phrase 10x engineer coming out of an applicants mouth, its an insta-rejection(unless they are joking obviously).

I know it sounds harsh, but I translate self-described 10x engineer as: egotistical prick who has never been check on their design principles. I'm looking to grow a team not feed the ego of an individual who literally think they 10x as good as everyone else.

You can keep the two cents.

"10x engineers" do exist but generally-speaking it's not worth the effort to pursue them because to do so means you're taking your eye off the real concern: building a 10x team. I can tell you from personal experience and the anecdotes of several of my colleagues that a group of 10x engineers do not make a 10x team. Often quite the opposite. Remember, it's teams that deliver software, it's teams your company is depending on. Focus on making 10x teams.

I feel like the well has been poisoned as far as the "10x engineer" term goes, maybe from the start.