Leadership

Multipliers: 8 key ideas

by Liz Wiseman

The core ideas of Multipliers, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 8

   Some leaders multiply intelligence

   Wiseman argues that some leaders, whom she calls multipliers, make the people around them smarter and more capable.

   Others, whom she calls diminishers, drain intelligence and energy from their teams, even when they mean well.

2. IDEA 2 OF 8

   Multipliers get more from people

   Wiseman's research suggests that multipliers get much more capability from their people than diminishers.

   People work harder and think better. In Wiseman's view, people with such leaders feel their ideas are valued, so they offer more of them and use more of their abilities.

3. IDEA 3 OF 8

   Attract and grow talent

   Multipliers act as talent magnets, attracting talented people and helping them grow.

   Diminishers hoard resources. In Wiseman's view, a leader who draws in good people and lets them shine builds a stronger team than one who guards power.

4. IDEA 4 OF 8

   Create space for thinking

   Multipliers act as liberators, creating an environment where people feel safe to think and speak.

   Diminishers create tension. In Wiseman's view, when people are not afraid of being judged, they share ideas more freely and solve problems better.

5. IDEA 5 OF 8

   Set challenges

   Multipliers act as challengers, setting ambitious goals that stretch people.

   Diminishers give orders. In Wiseman's view, people stretched beyond what they thought possible often surprise themselves and learn faster than when they only follow instructions.

6. IDEA 6 OF 8

   Encourage debate

   Multipliers act as debate makers, encouraging rigorous discussion before decisions.

   Diminishers decide alone. In Wiseman's view, people who have heard the facts and argued about them back the final choice more strongly.

7. IDEA 7 OF 8

   Give ownership

   Multipliers act as investors, giving people ownership and responsibility.

   Diminishers micromanage. In Wiseman's view, when people truly own their work, they take responsibility for the results and do not wait for instructions.

8. IDEA 8 OF 8

   Good intentions can diminish

   Wiseman describes accidental diminishers, leaders who unintentionally reduce others' contributions, for example by always having ideas.

   Awareness helps change. In Wiseman's view, a leader who is full of ideas may leave little space for others, even with the best of intentions.