The Multiplier Effect

Energy determines who leads, not titles. Positive energy multiplies influence.

Multipliers breathe life into people.

One draining habit cancels five encouraging ones. Bad is 5X stronger than good. Eliminate what drains before adding what lifts.

Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Unexamined leadership isn’t worth following.

Leverage the Multiplier Effect

Phase 1: The Mirror

Focus on lifting people not being liked.

After your next conversation, ask yourself, “Did they leave feeling…”

• Confident/Fearful. Y/N
• Optimistic/Negative. Y/N
• Energized/Relieved. Y/N
• Larger/Insignificant. Y/N
• Supported/Defensive. Y/N
• Powerful/Second-guessing. Y/N
• Capable/Dependent. Y/N
• Focused on opportunities/Problems. Y/N

Phase 2: Monitor Nonverbal Cues

People won’t say, “You’re draining me.” But emotions bleed through in body language.

• Do shoulders drop? __________
• Do eyes go bright? __________
• Do people linger or flee? __________
• Do they open up or clam up? __________
• Do you experience eye contact or looking away? __________

Phase 3: Seek Feedback

You don’t see yourself clearly. What do others experience?

Ask at least one of the following questions at the end of a conversation.

Preface: “I’m working to become more effective. Your feedback would help. May I ask a question or two?”

• On a scale of 1-10, how energized are you?
• What part of our conversation increased your confidence?
• What am I doing that feels energizing to you?
• What am I doing that feels like an obstacle?

At the End of the Day

These questions reveal your multiplier effect.

• Did I listen more than fix?
• How did I affirm strengths?
• How did I demonstrate genuine interest?

Your multiplier shows up in how people feel about themselves after they spend time with you.

How can leaders maximize the multiplier effect?

What’s one thing you can do today to become a multiplier?

Manage your personal energy: 12 Ways Successful Leaders Find Energy

Read: Positively Energizing Leadership by Kim Cameron

For structured self-reflection exercises, read The Vagrant