How to become a multiplier
How to Become a Multiplier: Elevate Your Leadership by Empowering Others
In today’s competitive business environment, effective leadership can make or break an organization. As leaders, we must ask ourselves: Are we unlocking the potential of those around us, or are we unintentionally stifling it? According to Liz Wiseman’s book Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, there are two types of leaders: Multipliers and Accidental Diminishers. Understanding the difference between these leadership styles can have a profound impact on your team’s success and your organization’s growth. What is a Multiplier?
Multipliers are leaders who elevate the intelligence and capability of those around them. They don’t just manage—they elevate. These leaders foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best ideas and efforts. A Multiplier knows that their success is intrinsically linked to the success of their team, and they act accordingly.
Key Traits of Multipliers:
1. Amplifying Intelligence: Multipliers are adept at unlocking the brainpower within their teams. They don’t just give orders—they ask questions, listen to different perspectives, and invite their team to engage in problem-solving. This approach not only leads to better solutions but also makes people feel valued and intellectually stimulated.
2. Creating Freedom: These leaders foster a sense of freedom and empowerment. They encourage their team to take risks and explore new ideas without fear of failure. This liberation fuels creativity and drives progress.
3. Challenging Comfort Zones: These leaders don’t settle for the status quo. They encourage their teams to push boundaries, think differently, and strive for continuous improvement. By challenging their people, Multipliers help them grow both personally and professionally.
4. Investing in Growth: Investing in people is a hallmark of a Multiplier. These leaders are committed to developing their team’s skills and abilities, offering opportunities for growth and advancement. By doing so, they create a sustainable pipeline of talent within the organization.
The Danger of Becoming an Accidental Diminisher
On the other hand, Accidental Diminishers are leaders who, often unknowingly, suppress the
talent and capabilities of their teams. They often mean well but end up creating environments
where talent and creativity are stifled. Understanding these tendencies is the first step in avoiding
them.
Common Traits of Accidental Diminishers:
1. Hoarding Resources: Accidental Diminishers often fall into the trap of keeping information and resources to themselves. While they may think this control helps maintain order, it can actually prevent their team from thriving. True leaders know that sharing power and information strengthens the whole team.
2. Dominating Conversations: It’s easy to fall into the role of the “know-it-all” leader, but doing so can silence others and limit creativity. Leaders who dominate discussions miss out on the wealth of ideas that come from a diverse team. A Multiplier, on the other hand, values input from everyone and fosters a culture of collaboration.
3. Over-Controlling: While some leaders believe that tight control is the key to success, this often backfires. Micromanaging can lead to a fearful work environment where people are afraid to take initiative. This can lead to low morale and high turnover, as employees feel suffocated and undervalued. Instead, leaders should aim to empower their team,giving them the confidence to take ownership of their work.
4. Making Solo Decisions: When leaders make decisions without consulting their team, it can erode trust and decrease morale. Accidental Diminishers may not realize the impact of this habit, but it can lead to disengagement and a lack of commitment. Great leaders involve their team in the decision-making process, which not only leads to better outcomes but also builds trust.
The Impact on Your Organization
The leadership style you embody—whether as a Multiplier or an Accidental Diminisher—can have a significant impact on your organization. Multipliers create environments where people are motivated, innovative, and driven to succeed. Their teams are not only more productive but also more fulfilled and engaged. In contrast, Accidental Diminishers can inadvertently create a toxic atmosphere, leading to decreased morale, lower productivity, and higher turnover.
Steps to Become a Multiplier
Becoming a Multiplier requires self-awareness, intentionality, and a commitment to growth. Here are a few steps to help you develop the skills and habits of a Multiplier:
1. Encourage Open Dialogue: Regularly ask your team for their input and listen to their ideas. This not only shows that you value their opinions but also helps you make better-informed decisions.
2. Invest in Your Growth: Leadership is a journey. Invest in your own development. Continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow, whether through books, workshops, or mentorship. The more you grow, the more you can offer your team.
3. Empower Your Team: Delegate responsibilities and trust your team to deliver. Provide them with the tools and support they need but give them the space to take ownership of their work.
4. Challenge Your Assumptions: Be open to new ways of thinking and challenge the status quo. Encourage your team to do the same by fostering an environment where questioning and innovation are valued. This not only fosters new approaches but also keeps everyone engaged and motivated.
The difference between Multipliers and Accidental Diminishers is more than just a leadership style; it’s a defining factor in the success of your organization. By becoming a Multiplier, you can create a thriving environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and capable of achieving great things. Start today by reflecting on your leadership habits and making the changes that will help you bring out the best in those around you.