Becoming a Multiplier requires us to understand how our most noble intentions can have a diminishing impact.
– LIZ WISEMAN
The Accidental Diminisher
The Accidental Diminisher is the well-intended leader, often following popular management practices, who subtly and, completely unaware, shuts down the intelligence of others.
In our research, we were surprised to discover how few Diminishers understood the restrictive impact they were having on others. Most had moved into management having been praised for their personal, and often intellectual, merit. They had assumed their role as boss was to have the answers. Others, once had the mind of a Multiplier, but after working among Diminishers for so long, they had gone native.
Who are the Accidental Diminishers?
The ways we can have a limiting impact on others is limitless. Here we share nine profiles of some of the most typical ways leaders, despite our positive intentions, tend to have a draining impact on their teams.
Click on each picture to learn more about the unintended consequences of noble intentions.
Idea Fountain
WHO AM I?The Idea Fountain is a creative, innovative thinker who loves an idea-rich environment. They are a veritable fountain of ideas. For these Accidental Diminishers, ideas bubble up 24/7 and they burst into the office brimming with new ideas to share them with their colleagues.
Always On
WHO AM I?The Always-On Accidental Diminishers are dynamic, charismatic and exude energy. They are always engaged, always present, and always have something to say. These are the leaders with a big personality that can fill a room.
Rescuer
WHO AM I?The Rescuer is a good manager and a decent person (like all of the other Accidental Diminishers, by the way). They are the type of leader who doesn’t like to see people struggle, make avoidable mistakes, or fail. At the first sign of distress, they jump in and help.
Rapid Responder
WHO AM I?The Rapid Responder is the leader who prizes agility and fast turnaround. He takes responsibility and is “on it” – he is quick to respond, troubleshoot problems, and make fast micro-decisions.
Pacesetter
WHO AM I?The Pacesetter is the achievement-oriented leader who leads by example. To build momentum, they personally set the standard for performance and for exemplifying the values of the organization (such as quality, customer service, innovation, etc.).
Optimist
WHO AM I?The Optimist is the leader who believes most problems can be tackled with hard work and the right mindset.
Protector
WHO AM I?The Protector is the leader who shields his or her staff, buffering people from the hazards of corporate life.
Strategist
WHO AM I?The Strategist is the big thinker who casts a compelling vision of the future and shows the team a better place, a destination worth striving for.
Perfectionist
WHO AM I?The Perfectionist is the leader who appreciates excellence and loves the feeling of getting something perfect. They go beyond setting a high standard for others to follow and wants everyone around them to have the satisfaction of getting it just exactly right.