Multipliers, Revised and Updated: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter

by Liz Wiseman

“new demands, insufficient resources.”

Other leaders used their intelligence as a tool rather than a weapon. They applied their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capability of people around them.

The Diminisher is an Empire Builder who acquires resources and then wastes them. The Multiplier is a Talent Magnet who utilizes and increases everyone’s genius.

The Diminisher is a Tyrant who creates a stressful environment. The Multiplier is a Liberator who creates a safe environment that fosters bold thinking.

The Diminisher is a Know-It-All who gives directives. The Multiplier is a Challenger who defines opportunities.

Diminishers are Decision Makers who try to sell their decisions to others. Multipliers are Debate Makers who generate real buy-in.

The Diminisher is a Micromanager who jumps in and out. The Multiplier is an Investor who gives others ownership and full accountability.

and absorbed their worldview. As one executive

The Five Disciplines of the Multipliers

“What is the next challenge for you? What would be a stretch assignment?”

Brian’s Midas-touch reputation was tarnished.

“When we consider each person, we ask one or two questions. If they don’t fit, we simply don’t continue the conversation. If the person is individualistic, we know that he or she won’t fit in our culture. When we find someone who will fit with our company, then we spend a lot of time with this person to make sure we understand their capability and what they would bring to our organization.”

“Their minds can do something that mine can’t. They have a genius that I don’t.”

Why do I always get asked to lead these difficult meetings? Why am I always getting put in charge when it isn’t even my job?

“It is because you can so easily frame the issue, synthesize what people are saying, and lay out a course of action.”

They get results that are head-and shoulders above others, but they do it without breaking a sweat.