When Elon Musk took the helm at Twitter in 2022, he set out to redefine the platform, transforming it into what he now calls “X.”
Musk’s vision for X has always been clear: to build a platform that’s innovative, resilient, and at the cutting edge of technology. To achieve this, he laid down a challenge to the company’s staff, urging them to work at an “extremely hardcore” rate, pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible.
Fast forward to today, and Musk is once again raising the bar, this time by introducing a new way for employees to earn stock options—one that aligns perfectly with his meritocratic philosophy. According to a report by The Verge, Musk sent an email to X staff, explaining that stock options would be awarded based on an employee’s impact. But there’s a twist: employees are now asked to submit a one-page summary detailing their contributions to the company. It’s a move that underscores Musk’s commitment to rewarding those who are truly driving X forward.
This approach is quintessential Musk. It’s not about clocking in hours or simply showing up; it’s about delivering results, making tangible contributions, and being part of something revolutionary. Musk understands that in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment like X, those who are making the biggest impact should be the ones who are rewarded. By asking for these summaries, he’s giving employees a chance to showcase their achievements, ensuring that those who are truly excelling get the recognition—and the equity—they deserve.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about stock options; it’s about fostering a culture of excellence. Musk has always been clear that X is not a place for complacency. Back in 2022, shortly after taking over, he sent a late-night email to employees, laying out his expectations. He told them that to build Twitter 2.0 (now X), they would need to work “long hours at a high intensity” and be “extremely hardcore.” It was a message that resonated with those who were ready to meet the challenge head-on, while those who weren’t up for it were given the option to leave. And leave they did—about half the company’s workforce chose to step aside, clearing the path for a leaner, more driven team.
The employees who remained have witnessed firsthand that Musk is a man of his word. He has cultivated an environment where innovation thrives, even if it means working late nights or sleeping in the office to meet tight deadlines. These are not just stories—they’re a testament to the dedication of the team that’s building X into something extraordinary.
Musk himself has shared glimpses of this work ethic on X (formerly Twitter), posting images of engineers burning the midnight oil to ensure that the platform’s evolution continues without a hitch. It’s this relentless drive that has kept X on the cutting edge, rolling out new features like the X paid subscription service, despite the challenges that come with such rapid innovation.
Of course, this high-intensity environment isn’t for everyone. Former Uber and Skype engineer Gergely Orosz described X as “the definition of a ruthless workplace,” where expectations are sky-high, even compared to other tech giants. But that’s precisely the point. Musk isn’t interested in creating a run-of-the-mill tech company; he’s building a platform that pushes the envelope, one that’s setting new standards in the industry.
For those who thrive in such an environment, the rewards are significant. The introduction of the one-page summary for stock options is just the latest example of how Musk is ensuring that X remains a meritocracy. It’s a way to make sure that those who are truly contributing to the company’s success are recognized and rewarded accordingly.
Looking ahead, X is planning a major move—relocating its headquarters to Texas while maintaining a presence in the Bay Area through a shared space with Musk’s xAI in Palo Alto. It’s a strategic shift that aligns with Musk’s broader vision for X and reflects his commitment to innovation, agility, and growth.
In the end, Musk’s approach to leadership at X is all about pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. By asking employees to prove their worth through a one-page summary, he’s not just handing out stock options—he’s ensuring that X is built by the best, for the best. And in doing so, he’s setting the stage for a future where X isn’t just another social media platform, but a groundbreaking force in the tech industry.
