Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter

Author – Liz Wiseman

Date Started – 15 October 2021

Data Finished – 15 November 2021

The Book in 3 Sentences

  • The book explores the concept of “multipliers” and “diminishers” in leadership, and how leaders can become multipliers. The book separates the traits of multipliers and diminishers. A “multiplier” is a leader who is able to extract the full potential and intelligence of those around them, while a “diminisher” is a leader who reduces the potential and intelligence of those around them.

  • The book also provides practical advice on how leaders can become multipliers, including tips on how to attract and retain top talent, how to empower and develop team members, and how to create a culture of healthy debate and constructive criticism. They also discuss the importance of having a clear vision and strategy to align the efforts of the team toward a common goal.

Impressions

  • The best leaders are multipliers, and organizations can achieve greater success when they have more multipliers in leadership roles. The question arises how do we develop this kind of leader and importantly are we multipliers or diminishers
  • Reading the book helps in self-reflecting and can be helpful in realigning.

How the Book Changed Me / Learning

  • The book helps in self-reflecting where I fall in what percentage in each category – multipliers or diminishers

My Top 3 Quotes

  • “Multipliers don’t just attract the best talent; they create an environment where the best talent wants to stay.”
  • “The real power of a leader is not in their own intelligence but in the collective intelligence of the people around them.”
  • “Liberators don’t just give people permission to think, they create an environment where people are compelled to think.”

Who should read it

A valuable resource for leaders and organizations looking to become more effective and successful. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the concept of “multipliers” and the strategies that can be used to develop these skills in leaders. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to lead in an effective and empowering way.

Summary + Notes

Five key behaviors of multipliers:

They are talent magnets, liberators, challengers, debate makers, and investors.

  1. Talent magnets are leaders who attract and retain top talent,
  2. Liberators empower their team members to take on new challenges and responsibilities,
  3. Challengers push their teams to think differently and take on new opportunities,
  4. Debate makers foster healthy and constructive debate within their teams, and
  5. Investors are leaders who invest in the development and growth of their team members.

The book also explores the concept of the “Einstein Factor,” which describes the ability of leaders to tap into the collective intelligence and expertise of those around them. Multipliers are able to tap into the Einstein Factor by creating an environment where everyone can contribute their unique talents and ideas.