Book Bites: Multipliers

While Multipliers amplify intelligence and capability, Diminishers—often unintentionally—drain energy and shut down smarts. Wiseman identifies five key disciplines that set these leaders apart. Here’s how Multipliers lead, and how you can do the same.

1. Be a Talent Magnet
“Multipliers are talent magnets. They attract the best people and use them at their highest point of contribution.”

Multipliers don’t just spot talent—they create environments where that talent wants to stay and grow. They see beyond job titles and recognize unique "native genius" in others—the instinctive ways people think and perform at their best.

→ Try this: Call out someone’s “native genius” in a team setting. For example: “Jess has an incredible ability to simplify the complex—let’s bring her in on this.” It increases visibility and sets a tone for using people’s strengths intentionally.

2. Create Space, Not Noise
“Liberators create an intense environment that requires people’s best thinking, yet they generate a sense of safety.”

Diminishers often over-contribute — sharing ideas too quickly, solving problems too early. Multipliers, by contrast, pause. They make room for others to think deeply, speak freely, and take risks without fear.

→ Try this: In your next meeting, speak last. Use silence deliberately, and ask open-ended questions like, “What options haven’t we considered yet?” This links beautifully with facilitation expert Alison Coward's recommendations.

3. Make Stretch the Standard
“Multipliers believe that people are smart and will figure it out. They give people a chance to do things they’ve never done before.”

Multipliers challenge others with what Wiseman calls “big, hairy challenges.” They believe in people's capacity to grow into problems—not be protected from them. This creates a culture of stretch and ownership.

→ Try this: When delegating, resist the urge to hand over the how. Instead, frame the what boldly: “Here’s the outcome we need. Walk me through how you'd approach it?”

4. Debate, Don’t Dictate
“Multipliers lead rigorous debate, fostering learning through discussion rather than delivering answers.”

Multipliers frame tough questions and invite the team to explore them. They encourage productive conflict, value dissenting voices, and seek clarity through diversity of thought — because better ideas often emerge from friction.

→ Try this: Set up a structured debate around a strategic decision. Assign roles (pro/con/neutral observer), and end with a debrief: “What did we learn that we hadn’t considered before?”

5. Invest, Don’t Rescue
“Multipliers give ownership, invest in others, and hold them accountable.”

Diminishers often step in to “help” — but in doing so, they disempower. Multipliers offer support without taking control. They trust people to figure it out and grow from the challenge.

→ Try this: Next time someone brings you a problem, ask: “What have you already tried?” and “What do you think the next step is?” Then coach, rather than problem-solve.

Multipliers aren’t just great managers. They’re force multipliers—leaders who leave behind smarter, stronger, more capable teams than they found.