Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
“The person sitting at the apex hierarchy is the genius maker, not the genius.”
3 Main Messages:
Multipliers build people up and increase intelligence and capacity in others
Diminishers act in self interest and think that “really intelligent people are a rare breed.”
Even well intentioned leaders can display Accidental Diminisher tendencies
Well this is embarrassing. This book started incredibly well but then turned into a very uncomfortable read for me. I have heard it said many times before that stretch and growth can (and some argue ‘should’) be uncomfortable. Just as our muscles hurt when we have stretched ourselves and grown in the gym, our mental capacity feels uncomfortable when we experience new learning. If this is the case, then I have learned a great deal from reading this book!
It all started well. Wiseman explained the impact that a Multiplier can have on their team. As the name suggests, by following certain behaviours, leaders can greatly grow capacity. Multipliers “expect great things from their people and drive to achieve extraordinary results.” She explains that Multipliers have a rich view of the intelligence of the people around them and so manage behaviours, build relationships and create situations where all can flourish and grow. Surely behaviours all leaders need to demonstrate if they truly believe that “a leader is someone who helps others to lead.”
Diminshers, in contrast, are those that sit at the top of the leadership pyramid and act in order to maintain their position of power. They believe in elitism and scarcity and use their status to maintain the status quo: quashing and using others, blaming, telling, deciding and controlling - and ultimately failing to get the best out of their team. I’m sure, like me, you have worked for this kind of person and have experienced the frustration of someone else who cannot see and will not grow your potential.
So far, so good. I could clearly see how these two alternate views of leadership could play out in an organisation and was now keen to delve deeper into how to promote Multiplier-like behaviours in myself and others. Wiseman goes through the dos and don’ts in each chapter, extolling the benefits of being a Talent Magnet, rather than an Empire Builder. A Liberator, not a Tyrant. A Challenger instead of a Know-It-All. A Debate Maker, not a Decision Maker. In Investor instead of a Micro Manager.
Each chapter is clearly set out, giving examples of when these behaviours have played out in real life and simple steps to follow in order to build the more desirable behaviours. Chapters conclude with handy summaries, tables and next steps. I read the book thinking that it was something that every leader or would-be leader should read. I could think of those who demonstrated each behaviour and people who would benefit from some of the learnings to be even better leaders. I patted myself on the back for having displayed some of these tendencies myself and noting where I could improve.
Then came the uncomfortable part: The Accidental Diminisher. Wiseman describes these as “managers with the best of intentions, good people who think they are doing a good job leading.” Uh-oh. The first description is of someone who is ‘Always on’ - someone who is “always engaged, always present, and always has something to say.” This chimed a chord in me. As I read through the list of characteristics (Rescuer, Pacesetter, Rapid Responder, Optimist, Protector, Strategist, Perfectionist) I could remember times when I had displayed all of these tendencies.
These all sound like incredibly positive characteristics - and they are in a team player. But, as one of the leaders in the book realises: “It was my responsibility to manage the work, not do the work.” What I had not realised at the time, were the shadows to my strengths - the negative impact that my leadership could be having on my team. The missed opportunities for growth and increased potential. How I wish I had read this book ten years ago.
If you are currently in a leadership position or about to move up and lead others, you need to read this book. If you do, the possibilities for you and your team are endless!! After all, as Ralph Nader tells us: “The Function of Leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” I hope it is an uncomfortable read for you too! Your team and organisation will greatly benefit from this stretch and growth!
To take the Accidental Diminisher test, use this link: https://thewisemangroup.com/quiz/accidental-diminisher/
