N4L 010: "Multipliers" by Liz Wiseman

Liz Wiseman, internationally recognized business thought leader, released the Revised and Updated edition of "Multipliers" in 2017. The book was born from a simple observation percolating in Wiseman for years: “There is more intelligence inside our organizations than we are using.” Figuring out why became her passion. Her research findings unlocked the secrets to what she came to call “Multipliers.” To explain the difference between Multipliers and Diminishers (their opposite), Wiseman quotes Bono, who said, “It has been said that after meeting with the great British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, you left feeling he was the smartest person I the world, but after meeting with his rival Benjamin Disraeli, you left thinking you were the smartest person in the world.” Diminishers might be geniuses, but Multipliers are genius makers.  Wiseman’s research team used an applied definition of intelligence: the ability to reason, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, learn from experience, and adapt to make smart decisions. Multipliers trust people are smart and will figure it out. With that assumption, they manage to double the brain power of their workers. In short, they use human intellect and talent while noticeably helping people grow. As a result, when working for a Multiplier, people say they “get smarter.” Wiseman distills the role of Multiplier to distinct disciplines, each set in opposition to a Diminisher role. For example: The Talent Magnet (e.g., Mitt Romney) vs. The Empire Builder The Liberator (Bill Campbell, CEO of Intuit) vs. The Tyrant The Challenger (Irene Fisher of University of Utah Bennion Center) vs. The Know-it-all Bill Campbell says, to be a Multiplier, “You have to be smart enough to learn.”  “Accidental Diminishers” are well-intentioned leaders who, unwittingly, reduce abilities often by following popular management principles. For example, creative leaders might try to spark ideas in others; energetic, charismatic leaders can “kill” people with all their energy. Rescuers might step in too early to prevent mistakes from happening, but they can stunt growth in the process. Even too much optimism can do more damage than good.  Multipliers are not “cupcake-and-kisses” leaders. In fact, they're often hard-edged, driven people. But they create a growth cycle of “safety and stretch.” While holding people accountable, they deeply use their people while helping them grow. BUY Multipliers, Revised and Updated: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter Music Credit Sound Editing Credit