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

by Liz Wiseman

There are bird watchers and there are whale watchers. I’m a genius watcher. I am fascinated by the intelligence of others. I notice it, study it, and have learned to identify a variety of types of intelligence.

Let’s take the example of Tim Cook, currently CEO of Apple Inc. When Tim was COO and opened a budget review in one sales division, he reminded the management team that the strategic imperative was revenue growth. Everyone expected this, but they were astounded when he asked for the growth without providing additional headcount.

This is the dominant logic that has existed in corporate planning: that resources will be added when new requests are made.

1. ATTRACTING AND OPTIMIZING TALENT.

2. CREATING INTENSITY THAT REQUIRES BEST THINKING.

3. EXTENDING CHALLENGES.

4. DEBATING DECISIONS.

5. INSTILLING OWNERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

People often assume that Multiplier leaders have to step to the side in order to shine a spotlight on others, or that they play small so that others can play big.

Talent Magnets create a powerful force that attracts talent and then accelerates the growth of intelligence and capability in others, as well as themselves.

1. Look for Talent Everywhere

2. Find People’s Native Genius

3. Utilize People at Their Fullest

1. NAME THE GENIUS—

2. SUPERSIZE IT—

3. LET GO OF A SUPERSTAR—

EMPIRE BUILDERS bring in great talent, but they underutilize it because they hoard resources and use them only for their own gain.

TALENT MAGNETS get access to the best talent because people flock to work for them, knowing they will be fully utilized and developed to be ready for the next stage.

Diminishers

People are capable of doing hard things.

Use debate to build collective intelligence and speed to execution.

Look for signs of Multiplier and Diminisher behavior.

Multiplier Signs: Has a low talk/listen ratio Asks follow-on questions out of curiosity Asks “why” to better understand Shares multiple perspectives on issues Shows sincere self deprecation & laughs