Multiplier or Diminisher--What are you?

 This is a wonderful article on leadership that I got from Touchstone Chronicles - If you enjoy motivating and inspirational reads you should check this blog out.

 

Multiplier or Diminisher--What are you?

I was fortunate to recently attend a seminar where the keynote speaker was Larry Gelwix, the Highland High Rugby Coach for the past 36 years who has won 414 games with 10 losses and earned 19 national championships (and is working on his 20th right now).  He is truly a human touchstone of excellence.  The movie "Forever Strong" was based on him and his teams.

George Washington--A Great Multiplier Who Helped Build a Nation

Mr. Gelwix is an amazing man but in his presence you feel no arrogance despite his successes.  He is a great role model.  He was teaching about five keys to being a champion.  One focused on the way we lead others.  He recommends that we be "horizontal" leaders rather than "vertical" ones.  A horizontal leader treats others with dignity and respect but simultaneously has clear expectations and consequences built into their systems.  Vertical leaders are kingdom builders--"everything centers on me"--people.  In his presentation he recommended what he called one of the best leadership books he had ever read.  I bought it the next day and am passing the word to you because it really is a great book.  I recommend reading:  Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman and Greg McKeown.  They did extensive studies to understand how multipliers (bosses, parents, politicians, etc.) lead to make those around them give so much and get so much better (giving 70-100% effort and more through growth).  Other so-called diminishers "lead" but it turns out they bring many around them down and get very little from their people (30-50%).  What type of leader are you?  If you become a multiplier you will get up to two-times the effort and production from people than a diminisher gets.  It's worth a look. 

Two tips Larry Gelwix gave for evaluating people and yourself:
1.  How do they treat people who have nothing to give them or from whom they need nothing?  Do they treat the beggar, office assistant, maid, ... like dirt or do they treat all people regardless of rank or stature with dignity and respect.  Watch people and you can learn a lot about who they really are by their interactions with those they don't "need." (using "need" in a general sense not a moral, religious or other way).

2.  What do you do when no one will know or can know what you did?  The answer to that question will tell you a lot about yourself.  As Mr. Gelwix said, we are human and have room for growth.  Who we become means much more than what we become.  Pick something you can work on to help others grow and to help yourself become more like your ideal self.  But allow for mistakes and be patient because change takes time.  Remember, we are only human.  We can work on a few things at a time (not too many) and we can all grow as a result!  What are you going to do?  What am I going to do?

(Article and Picture by Touchstone Chronicles)