On becoming a Multiplier

While it’s one thing to align with well-documented research and a brilliant idea, what does it actually take to become a true Multiplier?

Those of you with whom I'm connected know that Liz Wiseman's groundbreaking research and work around the notion of leaders as "Multipliers" has had a profound effect on both my own role as a leader as well as my work with organizations around the world.

In a previous article, I explored the power and elegance of adopting a Multiplier Mindset to avoid what Wiseman calls Accidental Diminisher traits – behaviors that cause heartache despite our great intentions as managers in support of others.

While it’s one thing to align with well-documented research and a brilliant idea, what does it actually take to become a Multiplier?

After 3 years of partnership with The Wiseman Group and our colleagues at BTS in service of thousands of front-line, mid-level, and senior leaders embracing the Multipliers approach, we've been able to develop our own point of view relative to what’s required to enable and sustain true Multiplier behaviors. 

6 areas of focus that will help you unleash your Multiplier within:

1. Know How You Show Up
   Multipliers have a strong sense of self-awareness. They act in line with the organizational culture and values. They develop high levels of emotional intelligence, create psychologically safe environments, use tools like 360-degree feedback instruments and recognize when they are falling into Accidental Diminisher traps.
2. Know Your Business
   Multipliers are strong business people in addition to strong leaders. They understand their markets, their customers (and their realities), the global stage in which they operate and how we keep score (financial acumen).
3. Liberate Talent
   Talent liberators attract, engage and inspire others while creating an intense environment that require their team’s best thinking and work. They use systems and processes to set clear expectations, manage performance and provide the proper resources for their team’s success.
4. Develop Talent
   Multipliers understand the native genius of each team member. They coach, influence and provide feedback to maximize performance and growth. They also create opportunities that cause people to stretch.
5. Make Quality Decisions
   Multiplier leaders understand the situational nature of decisions and know the tools and traps inherent to successful resolution. They align to the priorities of the organization and, when appropriate, empower others and encourage rigorous debate.
6. Navigate Complexity
   Multipliers see the “big picture” and they can create a line of sight for their teams. They adeptly lead and manage others through organizational change. They foster and inspire others to innovate while staying agile.

For those of you who share my passion as a disciple of this great work, I hope these  6 areas of focus will help you reflect on your own personal journey toward unleashing your inner Multiplier. Be honest with yourself and invite feedback from others: Where are you strong? What can you work on to improve? What might create a blind spot for you as your career advances?

It's not enough to simply say you want to be a Multiplier. It takes persistence, hard work and self-awareness to achieve that lofty goal.