The Three Traits of a "Super IC"
Written by Dave Bailey
Written by Dave Bailey, Jul 02, 2026
What to ask to identify a multiplier employee.
One of the big organisational trends accentuated by AI is the removal of the management layer.
In its place lies the Super IC: a single role that incorporates multiple IC roles into one by leveraging AI.
The clearest examples of this are happening inside the product and tech teams of hypergrowth AI companies, such as ElevenLabs and Lovable.
Traditionally, building software required a product manager, a designer, a few developers, and a QA. Each person owned a different part of the process.
But in the latest generation of companies, this is increasingly being compressed into a single role.
One person, leveraging agents, can now design, code, debug, test, and deploy new product features.
If this continues, all areas of the business will be comprised of Super ICs who leverage AI agents to multiply their output.
But how do you identify candidates who could become Super ICs?
Three Qualities of a Super IC
There are three qualities that Super ICs tend to spike in which you can test for in an interview.
1. Builder’s Instinct
Super ICs don’t need to be told to create new solutions.
It’s in their nature.
They are tinkerers. They like spending their time building solutions to problems, both in their personal and professional lives.
Ask them to show you what they’ve been building. Follow up with:
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- What decisions did you make?
- What did you learn, and what would you do differently?
Good output is table stakes. What you really want to check are their inputs: how they think, what they optimise for, and how they make decisions.
2. Product Curiosity
Super ICs don’t need to be asked to review your product or website before meeting you.
They’ll do it without asking.
The key is to understand what they are curious about.
The best candidates are trying to understand how the product creates value.
See if they ask you good questions about:
- What problem the product is really solving.
- Where the product creates the most value for the customer.
- Where customers might struggle to get the value.
Real curiosity doesn’t just surface existing knowledge. It creates new knowledge.
If you find yourself deepening your own understanding of your product and customers, this is a good sign.
3. Systems Thinking
Super ICs instinctively break down problems into their different elements, identifying the inputs, outputs, constraints, dependencies, and edge cases that could trip the system up.
Elon Musk’s 5-step algorithm captures the essence of systems thinking: (i) simplify the requirements, (ii) delete the process step, (iii) simplify, (iv) accelerate, and (v) automate.
When discussing a problem, pay attention to how the candidate thinks.
- Do they question the requirements?
- Do they propose useful simplifications?
- Do they investigate speed and tradeoffs?
If they do, you probably have yourself a systems thinker.
Get Ready to Compete
Super ICs are multipliers, and multipliers command high compensation.
Salary is only part of the equation.
They’ll also look for an AI-first culture, a deep commitment to excellence, and a problem big enough to serve their ambition.
You are not just interviewing them. They are interviewing you.
So the challenge isn’t just identifying Super ICs, it’s building the kind of company where they want to work.
Related Reading:
- Why I Built an AI Organisation
- Why Great CEOs Live in the Future
- How Smart CEOs Analyse Their Meetings
Originally published on July 1st, 2026
