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Multipliers

Multipliers

How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter
by Liz Wiseman 2010 288 pages
3.99
14k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Multipliers amplify intelligence, while Diminishers suppress it

Multipliers are genius makers and bring out the intelligence in others. They build collective, viral intelligence in organizations.

Intelligence amplification. Multipliers have a profound impact on the people around them, extracting and extending their intelligence and capabilities. They operate on the assumption that people are smart and will figure things out, creating an environment where intelligence flourishes. In contrast, Diminishers operate as if their intelligence is superior, stifling others and draining organizational capability.

Measurable impact. Research shows that Multipliers get at least twice as much from their people as Diminishers. People report giving 50% or less of their capability to Diminishers, while offering 70-100% to Multipliers. This translates to significant organizational leverage, with Multipliers effectively doubling their workforce without adding headcount.

Core assumptions. The fundamental difference lies in how these leaders view intelligence:

  • Multipliers see intelligence as continually developing
  • Diminishers see intelligence as static and scarce
    These assumptions drive dramatically different behaviors and outcomes.

2. The five disciplines of Multipliers: Talent Magnet, Liberator, Challenger, Debate Maker, Investor

Multipliers lead people by operating as Talent Magnets, whereby they attract and deploy talent to its fullest regardless of who owns the resource.

Talent Magnet. Multipliers attract top talent and utilize it fully. They:

  • Look for talent everywhere, appreciating all types of genius
  • Find people's native genius - what they do naturally and freely
  • Connect people with opportunities that stretch them
  • Remove blockers, including themselves if necessary

Liberator. Multipliers create space for others to contribute their best thinking and work. They:

  • Create safety for thinking while demanding people's best work
  • Shift the ratio of listening to talking, operating consistently
  • Generate rapid learning cycles by admitting mistakes

Challenger. Multipliers define opportunities that stretch people beyond what they know how to do. They:

  • Seed opportunities by showing needs and challenging assumptions
  • Lay down concrete challenges and ask hard questions
  • Generate belief in what's possible through early wins

Debate Maker. Multipliers drive sound decisions through rigorous debate. They:

  • Frame issues clearly and assemble the right people and data
  • Create safety for best thinking while demanding rigor
  • Drive decisions and communicate rationale effectively

Investor. Multipliers give ownership and invest in others' success. They:

  • Define clear ownership and stretch roles
  • Teach, coach, and provide backup
  • Hold people accountable while respecting natural consequences

3. Multipliers create space for others to contribute and shine

Multipliers create an intense environment that requires people's best thinking and work.

Balancing act. Multipliers cultivate an environment that is both comfortable and intense. They remove fear and create safety that invites people's best thinking, while simultaneously creating pressure that demands their best effort. This duality allows people to take risks, learn rapidly, and deliver extraordinary results.

Key practices:

  • Release others by restraining yourself
  • Shift the ratio of listening to talking (80% listening)
  • Level the playing field by amplifying quieter voices
  • Admit and share mistakes to encourage learning
  • Make the scoreboard visible to drive accountability

Impact on people. In this environment, people feel both challenged and valued. They describe working for Multipliers as "exhausting but exhilarating" - stretching beyond their perceived limits while experiencing deep satisfaction and growth.

4. Challenging people stretches their capabilities and spurs growth

Multipliers look into people and find capability, and they want to access all of it. They utilize people to their fullest.

Seeding opportunities. Instead of just giving answers, Multipliers provide just enough information to provoke thinking and help people discover opportunities for themselves. They:

  • Show needs firsthand
  • Challenge fundamental assumptions
  • Reframe problems as opportunities
  • Create starting points for others to build on

Concrete challenges. Multipliers establish challenges that create a huge stretch for an organization. They:

  • Extend a clear, tangible challenge
  • Ask hard questions that require new thinking
  • Let others fill in the blanks

Generating belief. Multipliers help people believe in the possibility of achieving seemingly impossible goals. Techniques include:

  • "Helicoptering down" to show a pathway
  • Co-creating plans with the team
  • Orchestrating early wins to build momentum

5. Rigorous debate leads to better decisions and readies organizations for execution

Multipliers engage people in debating the issues up front, which leads to decisions that people understand and can execute efficiently.

Framing the issue. Multipliers prepare for great debates by:

  • Defining the key question to be answered
  • Forming the right team of contributors
  • Assembling critical data
  • Clarifying the decision-making process

Sparking debate. They create an environment of both safety and rigor:

  • Encourage all points of view and opposing arguments
  • Focus on facts and depersonalize issues
  • Ask hard questions that challenge assumptions
  • Look for evidence in data, not just opinions

Driving sound decisions. After debate, Multipliers:

  • Reclarify the decision-making process
  • Make or delegate the final decision
  • Communicate the decision and rationale clearly

Organizational impact. This approach not only leads to better decisions but also builds collective understanding and readiness to execute. People feel ownership of the decision and are prepared to implement it effectively.

6. Giving ownership and investing in others' success creates sustainable results

A leader is someone who helps others lead.

Defining ownership. Multipliers clearly establish ownership and accountability:

  • Name the lead and give them majority voting rights (e.g., 51%)
  • Give ownership for end goals, not just tasks
  • Stretch roles beyond current capabilities

Investing resources. They provide support for success:

  • Teach and coach in the context of real challenges
  • Provide backup without taking over
  • Invest intellectual capital through mentoring

Holding people accountable. Multipliers maintain high expectations:

  • Give back ownership when tempted to take over
  • Expect complete work, not just identifying problems
  • Respect natural consequences as teachers
  • Make the scoreboard visible to drive results

Long-term impact. This approach creates organizations that can perform without the constant presence of the leader. It allows Multipliers to step away and reinvest their efforts elsewhere, becoming "Serial Multipliers" who build multiple successful teams and organizations over time.

7. Anyone can become a Multiplier by shifting assumptions and practices

You can choose to think like a Multiplier and operate like one. This book will show you how.

Recognizing the Accidental Diminisher. Many leaders unintentionally diminish others through well-meaning but counterproductive practices. Awareness is the first step to change.

Strategies for becoming a Multiplier:

  1. Work the extremes:
    • Assess your leadership practices
    • Neutralize your biggest weakness
    • Top off your greatest strength
  2. Start with assumptions:
    • Adopt Multiplier mindsets (e.g., "People are smart and will figure it out")
    • Let behavior naturally follow
  3. Take the 30-Day Multiplier Challenge:
    • Focus on one practice within one discipline for 30 days
    • Journal your experiences and learnings

Sustaining momentum:

  • Build skills layer by layer, like instruments joining an orchestra
  • Stay with it for a year, holding a key question in mind
  • Build a community for support and accountability

8. Multipliers get 2x more from people and accelerate organizational success

Multipliers get twice the capability from people than do Diminishers.

Quantifiable impact. Research consistently shows that Multipliers extract at least twice the capability from people compared to Diminishers. This 2X effect creates significant leverage for organizations, effectively doubling their intellectual and productive capacity without increasing headcount.

Beyond productivity. The Multiplier effect goes beyond just getting more work done:

  • People actually become smarter and more capable around Multipliers
  • Organizations can solve harder problems and adapt more quickly
  • Individuals experience accelerated career growth and satisfaction

Strategic relevance. In times of both scarcity and growth, the ability to multiply intelligence and capability is crucial:

  • During downturns: Extract more value from existing resources
  • During growth: Scale intellectual assets to meet expanding demands

Broader implications. The Multiplier approach has potential impact beyond business:

  • Education: Unlocking student potential and teacher effectiveness
  • Government: Addressing complex societal challenges more effectively
  • Global issues: Accessing underutilized brainpower to solve perennial problems

Last updated:

FAQ

What's Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter about?

  • Leadership Styles: The book contrasts two types of leaders: Multipliers, who enhance the intelligence and capabilities of their teams, and Diminishers, who stifle them.
  • Core Concept: Multipliers create environments that empower people to contribute their best ideas, while Diminishers create fear and dependency.
  • Practical Framework: It provides a framework for leaders to adopt Multiplier practices, focusing on five disciplines that can transform organizational dynamics.

Why should I read Multipliers by Liz Wiseman?

  • Enhance Leadership Skills: The book offers insights into effective leadership strategies that can help you become a more impactful leader.
  • Real-World Examples: It includes numerous case studies and examples from various industries, making the concepts relatable and applicable.
  • Timely Relevance: In today's resource-constrained environments, maximizing existing talent is crucial for organizational success.

What are the key takeaways of Multipliers?

  • Multiplier vs. Diminisher: Understanding the difference between these two types of leaders is fundamental; Multipliers amplify intelligence, while Diminishers drain it.
  • Five Disciplines: The book outlines five key practices of Multipliers: Attract and Optimize Talent, Create Intensity that Requires Best Thinking, Extend Challenges, Debate Decisions, and Instill Ownership and Accountability.
  • Impact on Performance: Multipliers can achieve up to twice the capability from their teams compared to Diminishers, leading to enhanced organizational performance.

What are the best quotes from Multipliers and what do they mean?

  • “People actually get smarter around Multipliers.”: This emphasizes that the environment created by Multipliers fosters growth and intelligence in others, leading to better problem-solving and innovation.
  • “It isn’t how much you know that matters. What matters is how much access you have to what other people know.”: This highlights the importance of collaboration and leveraging collective intelligence rather than relying solely on individual expertise.
  • “The most important contribution management needs to make in the 21st century is to increase the productivity of knowledge work.”: This quote underscores the shift in focus from traditional resource management to maximizing the potential of knowledge workers.

What are the five disciplines of Multipliers according to Liz Wiseman?

  • Attract and Optimize Talent: Multipliers are Talent Magnets who draw in skilled individuals and deploy them effectively, ensuring their talents are fully utilized.
  • Create Intensity that Requires Best Thinking: They foster an environment that is both challenging and supportive, pushing individuals to perform at their highest levels.
  • Extend Challenges: Multipliers set ambitious goals that stretch their teams, encouraging them to think creatively and push beyond their limits.
  • Debate Decisions: They engage their teams in rigorous discussions, ensuring that decisions are well thought out and that everyone is on board.
  • Instill Ownership and Accountability: Multipliers empower their teams by giving them ownership of their work and holding them accountable for results.

How do Multipliers create a cycle of attraction?

  • Positive Reputation: Multipliers build a reputation as leaders who develop talent, which attracts skilled individuals eager to grow in their careers.
  • Utilization of Talent: They ensure that the talents of their team members are fully utilized, leading to increased job satisfaction and performance.
  • Continuous Growth: As team members grow and succeed, they attract more talent, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of attraction and development.

What is the difference between a Talent Magnet and an Empire Builder?

  • Talent Magnet: This type of leader attracts and optimizes talent, ensuring that individuals are utilized at their highest point of contribution, fostering growth and engagement.
  • Empire Builder: In contrast, Empire Builders hoard resources and underutilize talent, focusing on their own power and control rather than developing their team members.
  • Impact on Culture: Talent Magnets create a thriving culture of collaboration and innovation, while Empire Builders foster a toxic environment that leads to disengagement and turnover.

How do Multipliers generate belief in their teams?

  • Seeding Opportunities: They present challenges that encourage teams to explore possibilities and develop solutions, fostering a sense of ownership.
  • Asking Hard Questions: Multipliers challenge assumptions and provoke thought, which helps teams to see the potential for success and innovation.
  • Creating Early Wins: By orchestrating small successes, they build confidence and momentum, reinforcing the belief that larger challenges can be met.

What are the characteristics of a Liberator in Multipliers?

  • Creates Space: Liberators intentionally carve out room for others to contribute, allowing for open dialogue and idea sharing.
  • Demands Best Work: They set high expectations and encourage their teams to strive for excellence, fostering a culture of accountability.
  • Generates Rapid Learning Cycles: Liberators promote an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, enabling teams to adapt and grow quickly.

How can I become a Multiplier according to Liz Wiseman?

  • Shift Your Mindset: Start by believing in the intelligence and capability of those around you, and focus on how to draw out their best work.
  • Practice the Five Disciplines: Implement the five key practices of Multipliers in your leadership style to enhance team performance and engagement.
  • Seek Feedback and Reflect: Regularly solicit feedback from your team about your leadership style and be open to making adjustments to foster a more empowering environment.

What are the characteristics of a Diminisher in Multipliers?

  • Control-Oriented: Diminishers tend to micromanage and maintain tight control over their teams. They often believe that they are the only ones capable of making decisions.
  • Limited Engagement: They typically engage only a small inner circle in decision-making, which leads to underutilization of the broader team's intelligence. This can create a culture of dependency and disengagement.
  • Negative Impact: Diminishers can create an environment of fear and anxiety, stifling creativity and innovation. Their leadership style often results in lower morale and productivity among team members.

What is the 30-Day Multiplier Challenge in Multipliers?

  • Focused Experimentation: The 30-Day Challenge encourages leaders to focus on one practice within a specific discipline for thirty days. This structured approach helps in developing new habits and skills.
  • Incremental Progress: By concentrating on a single area, leaders can make sustainable changes without feeling overwhelmed. This method allows for gradual improvement and mastery over time.
  • Community Support: Engaging with peers or colleagues during the challenge can provide accountability and encouragement. Sharing experiences can enhance learning and foster a culture of Multipliers within the organization.

Review Summary

3.99 out of 5
Average of 14k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Multipliers received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.99 out of 5. Many readers found the book's core concepts valuable, particularly its emphasis on leadership styles that empower and develop others. However, a common criticism was that the book is overly long and repetitive, with numerous anecdotes and examples that could have been condensed. Some readers appreciated the practical advice and insights, while others felt it lacked depth or originality. Overall, the book's central ideas about leadership and maximizing team potential resonated with many, despite its structural flaws.

Your rating:

About the Author

Liz Wiseman is an American researcher, speaker, executive advisor, and author known for her work on leadership and organizational effectiveness. Her book "Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter" became a New York Times bestseller, cementing her reputation in the field of leadership development. Wiseman's research focuses on how leaders can amplify the intelligence and capabilities of their teams. She has worked with executives from major global companies and has been recognized for her innovative approaches to leadership. Wiseman's work emphasizes the importance of leaders who can bring out the best in others, rather than diminishing their potential.

Other books by Liz Wiseman

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