Are You a Talent Diminisher?

In her book "Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter," Liz Wiseman describes two types of leaders: Multipliers and Accidental Diminishers. According to Wiseman, Multipliers are leaders who bring out the intelligence and capability in those around them. At the same time, Accidental Diminishers are leaders who inadvertently suppress the intelligence and ability of those around them.

Multipliers are leaders with a talent for attracting and optimizing the talent of others. They have a strong vision and a clear understanding of what they want to achieve, and they can bring others along with them in pursuit of that vision. Multipliers have several essential qualities, including:

Intelligence Amplifiers: Multipliers can bring out the best in their people by tapping into their intellectual capabilities and encouraging them to contribute their full potential. They ask questions, seek input, and engage others in solving problems.

Liberators: Multipliers create a sense of freedom and empowerment for their people, encouraging them to take risks and try new things.

Challengers: Multipliers challenge their people to think and work in new ways, pushing them to stretch beyond their comfort zones.

Investors: Multipliers invest their time and resources in developing their people, creating opportunities for them to grow and develop.

On the other hand, Accidental Diminishers are leaders who inadvertently suppress the talent and capability of those around them. They have several vital habits and tendencies, including:

Empire Builders: Accidental Diminishers tend to hoard information and resources, often focusing more on building their own empires than on developing their people.

Know-It-Alls: Accidental Diminishers tend to dominate discussions and impose their own opinions, which can stifle the creativity and innovation of others.

Tyrants: These people tend to control and micromanage their people, creating a sense of fear and anxiety among their team.

Decision Makers: Accidental Diminishers often make decisions without consulting their people, undermining their trust and respect for the leader.

The impact of Multipliers and Accidental Diminishers can be significant for an organization. Multipliers can inspire and bring out the best in their people, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and growth. On the other hand, Accidental Diminishers can suppress their people's talent and capability, which can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and high turnover.

To become a Multiplier, leaders need to develop the skills and habits of this type of leader. These include becoming more aware of their tendencies and patterns and making changes where necessary. Leaders can also seek opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge and seek feedback from their people on how they can improve.

In conclusion, people multipliers and accidental people diminishers are essential concepts in leadership and organizational development. Leaders who are Multipliers bring out the best in their people and inspire them to reach their full potential, while Accidental Diminishers suppress the talent and capability of their people. The impact of these two types of leaders can be significant for an organization, and leaders can take steps to become Multipliers and bring out the best in their people.