As founders, it’s easy to get tangled in endless meetings and details, like navigating through dense underbrush. But Elon Musk has charted a different path—one rooted in simplicity, speed, and action. I call it “The Musk Method.” This philosophy opens a door to understanding how he’s built some of the world’s most impactful companies. Here are stories from his journey that may inspire you to rethink your own path as an entrepreneur.
A Direct Question: “What Did You Get Done This Week?”
When Musk first took over Twitter (now X), he famously interrupted then-CEO Parag Agrawal, who was enthusiastically discussing vision, to ask, “What did you get done this week?” It wasn’t impatience—it was Musk’s relentless focus on results. Instead of long-term plans, Musk wants visible weekly progress, insisting on real-time results.
For Musk, five-year plans are nothing but mirages. What truly matters is action here and now.
Engineering-Focused Leadership: Working Hands-On with the Builders
One evening around 10 p.m., Musk sat with his engineers discussing the next-generation Falcon rocket, his dog casually lounging nearby. No formal meeting setup, just Musk and the team tackling issues directly. Musk eliminates unnecessary management layers, preferring to talk straight to the engineers, solve challenges in real time, and cut through delays.
To him, reducing communication barriers and being on the front line are keys to efficiency. His team sees his dedication to understanding technical details, and they’re all the more willing to go the extra mile.
Accelerated Learning Through Failure
In Musk’s mind, failure isn’t an obstacle; it’s a fast track to learning. During SpaceX’s early launches, rockets frequently exploded on the launchpad. Competitors mocked him, but Musk stayed unfazed, using each failure as a lesson to improve designs. There’s even a compilation video of these SpaceX explosions on YouTube—every one a stepping stone to the next success.
While large corporations fear failure, Musk sees it as a catalyst. Rather than carefully crafting one perfect rocket, he iterates quickly, using each trial to refine his work. To him, each rocket’s fiery demise is just another step in accelerated growth.
Clear, Uncompromising Standards
Musk’s standards are razor-sharp and sometimes ruthless. Once, when an assistant requested a raise, he sent her on vacation and took over her duties himself. When she returned, he told her, “The work wasn’t that hard,” and let her go. It may seem cold, but it reflects Musk’s commitment to high standards. His companies operate with purpose and efficiency, leaving no room for complacency.
Breaking Bureaucracy: The “Cancel All Meetings” Rule
Musk isn’t alone in his disdain for unnecessary meetings. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke also cancels all recurring meetings every six months, only reinstating those that prove essential. Musk goes even further, skipping PowerPoint presentations altogether and tackling issues directly with engineers. For him, any time not spent building or solving problems is wasted.
This article was inspired by an interview with Marc Andreessen, who explores Musk’s unique leadership style and drive. Watch the interview to gain more insights into Musk’s approach to success. Watch the interview here.