From Accidental Diminisher to Multiplier: My Journey to Truly Empowering Leadership
You might have seen my recent LinkedIn post about Liz Wiseman's 'Multipliers' and a personal "flashback" I had. Here, I want to dive deeper into that experience and exactly how this book profoundly shifted my understanding of leadership.
The core idea from 'Multipliers' is simple yet powerful: "When you believe people are intelligent, they generally rise to meet your expectations. When you believe they are less capable, they generally sink to them." I'd consider this book essential reading for any leader, and honestly, one I truly wish I'd discovered earlier in my career.
My "Accidental Diminisher" Flashback
My vivid flashback came recently while I was working on a strategy presentation. It brought me back to a time when I was severely micromanaged. The constant oversight left me feeling incredibly undervalued, stressed, and stifled. My creativity felt blocked, and my motivation plummeted.
Looking back, I now clearly see that my manager at the time, likely with the best of intentions, was an 'accidental diminisher.' They weren't malicious, but their approach – perhaps driven by their own stress or a need for control – unintentionally drained the energy and intelligence from the team.
The challenging part? In an attempt to cope with that environment, I sadly found myself mirroring those very behaviors. I started micromanaging my own team, convinced it was the only way to maintain control and standards. It was a misguided attempt to exert influence in a chaotic system, but it was a mistake.
I'm incredibly grateful to my team back then. They had the immense courage to speak up and flag my behavior. Hearing their honest feedback was humbling, but it was also the critical turning point I needed to course-correct. That entire experience was a profound lesson in the real-world, often unintended, impact of different leadership styles. It forced me to confront how easily negative patterns can propagate if we're not self-aware.
Enter 'Multipliers': The Framework for Understanding
When I finally picked up 'Multipliers,' it was an absolute "Aha!" moment. The book provided the exact language and framework for what I'd experienced.
I immediately recognized both my former manager and myself in the profiles of the Accidental Diminishers. The book details how well-intentioned leaders can inadvertently diminish others through behaviors like being a "Rapid Responder" (solving problems too quickly) or an "Idea Generator" (overshadowing others' ideas). It explained why their approach had such a negative effect, and why I had mimicked it.
But more importantly, 'Multipliers' laid out a clear, actionable path to becoming a 'Multiplier' – a leader who truly amplifies the intelligence, energy, and capability of their team.
Here's what I appreciate most and what resonated deeply:
Self-awareness & Empathy: The book doesn't just point fingers; it guides you to understand your own diminishing tendencies (even accidental ones) and how they impact others. It deepens empathy by showing how your actions can either unlock or suppress potential.
The Power of Asking Questions: Instead of always providing answers, Multipliers learn to ask powerful questions. This simple shift, as the book explains, forces others to think deeply and tap into their own expertise, fostering true ownership.
Creating Space for Genius: Multipliers don't just tolerate good ideas; they actively create an environment where diverse perspectives are sought out, debated rigorously, and given room to grow. This leads to better decisions and higher engagement.
Growth Mindset in Action: The encouraging premise that leaders can develop multiplier tendencies, regardless of their current style, was hugely empowering for me. It reinforces that leadership is a learnable skill, not just an innate trait.
Tangible Tools: From practical exercises to a helpful self-assessment quiz, the book provides concrete steps you can apply immediately to shift your behavior.
My Ongoing Practice: Cultivating Multiplier Tendencies in Austin
Today, I actively work to cultivate Multiplier behaviors. For example, before I jump in with a solution during a discussion, I consciously pause and ask more probing questions to draw out the thinking of the group. I also actively seek opportunities to give people I work with true ownership of projects, stepping back and trusting them to deliver. It's a continuous journey, but the difference in team engagement and output is incredible.
In today's fast-paced marketing world, where innovation and agility are key, truly amplifying the intelligence and talent around you isn't just "nice to have" – it's a strategic imperative.
What leadership books have profoundly shifted your perspective and shaped your own journey? I'd love to hear your 'go-to's' in the comments below!
