“Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter” by Liz Wiseman is a book that explores the concept of leadership and how effective leaders can multiply the intelligence and capabilities of their teams. Wiseman argues that there are two types of leaders: Multipliers and Diminishers. Multipliers are leaders who amplify the intelligence and abilities of those around them, while Diminishers are leaders who stifle and limit the potential of their team members.

One of the key messages of the book is that Multipliers believe in the capabilities of their team members and create an environment where everyone can excel. They are talent magnets who attract the best and the brightest because people want to work with them. Multipliers are also challengers who stretch their team members by giving them opportunities to grow and learn. They are also liberators who trust their team members to take ownership and make decisions.

In contrast, Diminishers are micromanagers who don’t trust their team members and tend to control every aspect of their work. They are also know-it-alls who believe they have all the answers and don’t seek input from others. This stifles creativity and limits the potential of the team.

According to Wiseman, Multipliers are not born; they can be developed through conscious effort and self-awareness. The author provides a framework for leaders to become Multipliers by adopting specific behaviours and mindsets. This includes asking questions to stimulate thinking, providing opportunities for team members to take ownership and giving credit where it’s due.

The book also emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of intelligence in an organisation by valuing all sorts of intelligence and talent. Multipliers set high expectations and challenge their team members but they also provide support and encouragement. They create an environment where it’s safe to make mistakes and learn from them.

One of the key takeaways from the book is that leaders should focus on growing and developing their team members rather than trying to be the smartest person in the room. Multipliers understand that the collective intelligence of the team is greater than that of any individual and they leverage that intelligence to achieve exceptional results.

Are you a Multiplier or a Diminisher? If you feel like you are the smartest person in the room and your school and your staff ‘need’ you, you may well be a diminisher. Harsh but true!

“Multipliers” is a compelling book that challenges traditional notions of leadership and provides a roadmap for becoming a more effective leader. It highlights the importance of creating a culture where everyone’s intelligence is valued and harnessed for the benefit of your school.