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Leadership can make or break a team’s performance. Yet many organisations struggle with an overlooked dynamic: some leaders unintentionally hold their people back, while others bring out their very best.
This difference is more than just style. It is the difference between Diminishers and Multipliers—a mindset shift that transforms not only team morale but also business results.
In a world of constant change, where employee engagement, innovation and talent retention are top priorities, organisations need leaders who empower their people to think bigger, contribute more, and grow with confidence.
The idea of the Multiplier Effect comes from the work of Liz Wiseman, who explored what makes certain leaders consistently get more from their teams. In contrast to traditional command-and-control styles, Multipliers are leaders who amplify the capabilities of the people around them. They stretch, support and encourage others to step up, take ownership, and deliver impact.
Here are the key traits of Multipliers:
On the flip side, Diminishers may have good intentions, but their behaviours restrict growth. They might dominate conversations, solve problems too quickly, or unknowingly take over decisions their teams should be making. These leaders may not realise the effect they are having, but the result is often the same—disengaged teams and untapped talent.
Read more about the research here: The Wiseman Group – Multipliers
Across industries and regions, organisations are under pressure to do more with less. Leaders are expected to adapt quickly, navigate uncertainty, and drive results without burning out their teams.
In the Middle East, this is especially relevant. With fast-paced growth, diverse workforces and ambitious national transformation agendas, leaders must shift away from top-down control to collaborative, people-first approaches.
According to Gallup, managers account for 70 percent of the variance in employee engagement. That means investing in the right kind of leadership can directly influence retention, motivation, and long-term business performance.
When leaders become Multipliers, they activate a culture of ownership and initiative across the organisation. People no longer wait to be told what to do—they anticipate, act, and contribute with energy.
Organisations that intentionally develop Multiplier Leaders see benefits far beyond individual growth. It becomes part of the way their teams work, innovate, and collaborate. The outcomes include:
Teams led by Multipliers are often more agile and resilient. They can navigate change with confidence because they are used to thinking independently and contributing beyond their job descriptions.
“The Multipliers programme is the ideal platform to enhance your leadership skills and get the best of motivation, commitment and added value from your team.”
– Lhaouari Djebbour, Senior Manager, Category Management, EGA
Not all Diminishers are aware of their impact. In fact, many are Accidental Diminishers—well-meaning leaders who fall into habits that limit growth. Common signs include:
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to reassess how leadership is showing up in your organisation. The good news is that these behaviours can be changed with the right awareness, tools, and support.
If you are ready to create a Multiplier culture, here are three practical steps you can take:
Run awareness keynote sessions or facilitated discussions around the concept of Multiplier versus Diminisher behaviours. Use self-assessment tools or surveys to help leaders reflect on their style. This is a critical first step to create understanding and shift mindset.
Rather than one-off training, build the framework into a broader leadership journey. Include simulations, peer learning, and coaching so leaders can practice these behaviours and get feedback in real time. Reinforcement over time is key to lasting change.
Update your leadership competencies or performance reviews to include Multiplier traits such as empowerment, collaboration, and innovation. Recognise leaders who build capability and encourage team contributions.
These steps, combined with measurement and alignment at the organisational level, can start to create a ripple effect across teams and departments.
At Biz Group, we have spent over a decade helping organisations across the Middle East embed the Multiplier approach in their leadership development strategies.
Our LearningJourneys™ combine theory with practice to ensure lasting behavioural change. We work closely with clients to design experiences that fit their culture, goals, and current leadership challenges. Our approach includes:
Whether you want to shift culture, build a leadership pipeline, or improve team performance, we design learning programmes that create tangible results. Book a leadership discovery call with our expert consultants to understand how we can help you build leaders that take your organisation to success. Click here to learn more.
