The #1 Notion Startup system, StartOS is $369 $279! [Get Notion]

Logo

Built in Framer.Use the code partner25proyearly to get 3 months free off Framer Pro. [Get Framer]

The #1 Notion Startup system, StartOS is $369 $279! [Get Notion]

Logo

Built in Framer.Use the code partner25proyearly to get 3 months free off Framer Pro. [Get Framer]

The #1 Notion Startup system, StartOS is $369 $279! [Get Notion]

Built in Framer.

Use the code partner25proyearly to get 3 months free off Framer Pro. [Get Framer]

On Multipliers and Diminishers

On Multipliers and Diminishers

How leadership affects team output

Logo of Thinksightful: Counterintuitive ideas from the world's best minds

Thinksightful

Thinksightful

January 11, 2023

Donald Trump, an example of a diminishing leader
Donald Trump, an example of a diminishing leader

Have you ever worked under a leader that made you miserable?

The one that drains motivation.

The one that makes ever workplace minute feel like an eternal prison you want to escape from.

You might also worked under a leader that does the opposite- makes you look forward to work, fosters learning and help you improve your skills. There are two types of leaders, and all of us fall somewhere along this spectrum.

But why should you care about what type you are?

Because the leadership style can significantly impact your team's potential and overall success. The same team with different leaders at the helm can lead to vastly different levels of productivity and organizational outcomes.

Some leaders bring the best out of their followers, while other curtail them till their creativity withers away,

In their insightful book "Multipliers," Liz Wiseman delves into these two distinct manifestations of leadership: multipliers and diminishers.

Who is a Multiplier Leader?

Multipliers act as catalysts, amplifying the intelligence and capabilities of their team members.

They cultivate a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities for learning and development. By delegating effectively, they empower individuals to take ownership and contribute their unique talents.

Additionally, multipliers encourage creativity by fostering a safe space for experimentation and embracing diverse perspectives. Imagine a skilled gardener who nurtures each plant, providing the right conditions for them to flourish and reach their full potential.

Multipliers are the conductors who draw out a symphony's full potential, not by dictating every note, but by empowering each musician to excel.

Multiplier leaders lift others up.

They possess several key traits:

  • Mindset is central to being a multiplier

    Multipliers cultivate a growth mindset in themselves and their teams, fostering the belief that intelligence and capabilities can be developed through effort and learning.

    This empowers individuals to embrace challenges and continuously improve, also creating a culture where taking risk and making mistakes is encouraged, not frowned upon.


  • Delegation is a skill

    They delegate effectively, identifying and nurturing the strengths of their team members. This not only lightens their own load but also allows individuals to take ownership and develop their skills.


  • Channeling Curiosity is a core need

    Multipliers encourage questions and diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of creative problem-solving. They understand that the collective intelligence of the team is greater than any individual's.


  • Multipliers channel curiousity in the team to help them grow and get better.

Who is a Diminisher?

Diminishers, on the other hand, unknowingly stifle the potential of their teams.

They often micromanage, exerting excessive control over tasks, hindering individual growth and autonomy.

By dominating conversations and failing to delegate effectively, they create an environment where valuable ideas and perspectives may go unheard. This can lead to a stagnant and uninspired atmosphere, hindering innovation and productivity. Think of a sculptor who rigidly dictates every detail, leaving no room for the artist's unique expression, resulting in a bland and uninspired creation.

Some common traits of diminishers are:

  • Micromanagement

    They exhibit a need for excessive control, micromanaging tasks and failing to trust their team members' capabilities. This can lead to demotivation and decreased productivity.


    If a manager is micromanaging, it is likely they are a diminisher.


  • Diminishing Dialogue

    They dominate conversations, stifling diverse perspectives and valuable contributions from team members. This hinders the creation of a truly collaborative environment.


  • Focus on Flaws

    Diminishers tend to focus on individual weaknesses rather than fostering a growth mindset that encourages learning from mistakes and developing strengths.

    Diminishers will focus on your flaws. Every discussion will be about them.

How do you become a multiplier?

Liz Wiseman highlights the five key disciplines that multipliers use:

  1. Create the Work Climate

    Foster a safe space for open communication and collaboration.

  2. Set Direction

    Challenge and inspire your team to reach their full potential.

  3. Manage Talent

    Identify and leverage the unique strengths of each individual.

  4. Delegate Responsibilities

    Involve your team in the decision-making process, fostering ownership and accountability. Delegate tasks and responsibility and do not interfere with these delegated tasks, even when the assignee is struggling!

  5. Culture of Accountability

    Hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving goals while celebrating successes along the way.

Your team must believe you are growing a sapling together, and be accountable for it.

Understanding the contrasting styles of multipliers and diminishers equips you to make conscious choices about your leadership approach.

By fostering a growth mindset, delegating effectively, and encouraging open communication, you can become a multiplier who unlocks the full potential of your team and unleashes a symphony of success.


Have you ever worked under a leader that made you miserable?

The one that drains motivation.

The one that makes ever workplace minute feel like an eternal prison you want to escape from.

You might also worked under a leader that does the opposite- makes you look forward to work, fosters learning and help you improve your skills. There are two types of leaders, and all of us fall somewhere along this spectrum.

But why should you care about what type you are?

Because the leadership style can significantly impact your team's potential and overall success. The same team with different leaders at the helm can lead to vastly different levels of productivity and organizational outcomes.

Some leaders bring the best out of their followers, while other curtail them till their creativity withers away,

In their insightful book "Multipliers," Liz Wiseman delves into these two distinct manifestations of leadership: multipliers and diminishers.

Who is a Multiplier Leader?

Multipliers act as catalysts, amplifying the intelligence and capabilities of their team members.

They cultivate a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities for learning and development. By delegating effectively, they empower individuals to take ownership and contribute their unique talents.

Additionally, multipliers encourage creativity by fostering a safe space for experimentation and embracing diverse perspectives. Imagine a skilled gardener who nurtures each plant, providing the right conditions for them to flourish and reach their full potential.

Multipliers are the conductors who draw out a symphony's full potential, not by dictating every note, but by empowering each musician to excel.

Multiplier leaders lift others up.

They possess several key traits:

  • Mindset is central to being a multiplier

    Multipliers cultivate a growth mindset in themselves and their teams, fostering the belief that intelligence and capabilities can be developed through effort and learning.

    This empowers individuals to embrace challenges and continuously improve, also creating a culture where taking risk and making mistakes is encouraged, not frowned upon.


  • Delegation is a skill

    They delegate effectively, identifying and nurturing the strengths of their team members. This not only lightens their own load but also allows individuals to take ownership and develop their skills.


  • Channeling Curiosity is a core need

    Multipliers encourage questions and diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of creative problem-solving. They understand that the collective intelligence of the team is greater than any individual's.


  • Multipliers channel curiousity in the team to help them grow and get better.

Who is a Diminisher?

Diminishers, on the other hand, unknowingly stifle the potential of their teams.

They often micromanage, exerting excessive control over tasks, hindering individual growth and autonomy.

By dominating conversations and failing to delegate effectively, they create an environment where valuable ideas and perspectives may go unheard. This can lead to a stagnant and uninspired atmosphere, hindering innovation and productivity. Think of a sculptor who rigidly dictates every detail, leaving no room for the artist's unique expression, resulting in a bland and uninspired creation.

Some common traits of diminishers are:

  • Micromanagement

    They exhibit a need for excessive control, micromanaging tasks and failing to trust their team members' capabilities. This can lead to demotivation and decreased productivity.


    If a manager is micromanaging, it is likely they are a diminisher.


  • Diminishing Dialogue

    They dominate conversations, stifling diverse perspectives and valuable contributions from team members. This hinders the creation of a truly collaborative environment.


  • Focus on Flaws

    Diminishers tend to focus on individual weaknesses rather than fostering a growth mindset that encourages learning from mistakes and developing strengths.

    Diminishers will focus on your flaws. Every discussion will be about them.

How do you become a multiplier?

Liz Wiseman highlights the five key disciplines that multipliers use:

  1. Create the Work Climate

    Foster a safe space for open communication and collaboration.

  2. Set Direction

    Challenge and inspire your team to reach their full potential.

  3. Manage Talent

    Identify and leverage the unique strengths of each individual.

  4. Delegate Responsibilities

    Involve your team in the decision-making process, fostering ownership and accountability. Delegate tasks and responsibility and do not interfere with these delegated tasks, even when the assignee is struggling!

  5. Culture of Accountability

    Hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving goals while celebrating successes along the way.

Your team must believe you are growing a sapling together, and be accountable for it.

Understanding the contrasting styles of multipliers and diminishers equips you to make conscious choices about your leadership approach.

By fostering a growth mindset, delegating effectively, and encouraging open communication, you can become a multiplier who unlocks the full potential of your team and unleashes a symphony of success.


Have you ever worked under a leader that made you miserable?

The one that drains motivation.

The one that makes ever workplace minute feel like an eternal prison you want to escape from.

You might also worked under a leader that does the opposite- makes you look forward to work, fosters learning and help you improve your skills. There are two types of leaders, and all of us fall somewhere along this spectrum.

But why should you care about what type you are?

Because the leadership style can significantly impact your team's potential and overall success. The same team with different leaders at the helm can lead to vastly different levels of productivity and organizational outcomes.

Some leaders bring the best out of their followers, while other curtail them till their creativity withers away,

In their insightful book "Multipliers," Liz Wiseman delves into these two distinct manifestations of leadership: multipliers and diminishers.

Who is a Multiplier Leader?

Multipliers act as catalysts, amplifying the intelligence and capabilities of their team members.

They cultivate a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities for learning and development. By delegating effectively, they empower individuals to take ownership and contribute their unique talents.

Additionally, multipliers encourage creativity by fostering a safe space for experimentation and embracing diverse perspectives. Imagine a skilled gardener who nurtures each plant, providing the right conditions for them to flourish and reach their full potential.

Multipliers are the conductors who draw out a symphony's full potential, not by dictating every note, but by empowering each musician to excel.

Multiplier leaders lift others up.

They possess several key traits:

  • Mindset is central to being a multiplier

    Multipliers cultivate a growth mindset in themselves and their teams, fostering the belief that intelligence and capabilities can be developed through effort and learning.

    This empowers individuals to embrace challenges and continuously improve, also creating a culture where taking risk and making mistakes is encouraged, not frowned upon.


  • Delegation is a skill

    They delegate effectively, identifying and nurturing the strengths of their team members. This not only lightens their own load but also allows individuals to take ownership and develop their skills.


  • Channeling Curiosity is a core need

    Multipliers encourage questions and diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of creative problem-solving. They understand that the collective intelligence of the team is greater than any individual's.


  • Multipliers channel curiousity in the team to help them grow and get better.

Who is a Diminisher?

Diminishers, on the other hand, unknowingly stifle the potential of their teams.

They often micromanage, exerting excessive control over tasks, hindering individual growth and autonomy.

By dominating conversations and failing to delegate effectively, they create an environment where valuable ideas and perspectives may go unheard. This can lead to a stagnant and uninspired atmosphere, hindering innovation and productivity. Think of a sculptor who rigidly dictates every detail, leaving no room for the artist's unique expression, resulting in a bland and uninspired creation.

Some common traits of diminishers are:

  • Micromanagement

    They exhibit a need for excessive control, micromanaging tasks and failing to trust their team members' capabilities. This can lead to demotivation and decreased productivity.


    If a manager is micromanaging, it is likely they are a diminisher.


  • Diminishing Dialogue

    They dominate conversations, stifling diverse perspectives and valuable contributions from team members. This hinders the creation of a truly collaborative environment.


  • Focus on Flaws

    Diminishers tend to focus on individual weaknesses rather than fostering a growth mindset that encourages learning from mistakes and developing strengths.

    Diminishers will focus on your flaws. Every discussion will be about them.

How do you become a multiplier?

Liz Wiseman highlights the five key disciplines that multipliers use:

  1. Create the Work Climate

    Foster a safe space for open communication and collaboration.

  2. Set Direction

    Challenge and inspire your team to reach their full potential.

  3. Manage Talent

    Identify and leverage the unique strengths of each individual.

  4. Delegate Responsibilities

    Involve your team in the decision-making process, fostering ownership and accountability. Delegate tasks and responsibility and do not interfere with these delegated tasks, even when the assignee is struggling!

  5. Culture of Accountability

    Hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving goals while celebrating successes along the way.

Your team must believe you are growing a sapling together, and be accountable for it.

Understanding the contrasting styles of multipliers and diminishers equips you to make conscious choices about your leadership approach.

By fostering a growth mindset, delegating effectively, and encouraging open communication, you can become a multiplier who unlocks the full potential of your team and unleashes a symphony of success.