Be a Multiplier

It doesn’t matter where you are, your education level, or your job title; you are called to be a multiplier.

Help others.

Serve others.

Encourage others.

Reach out to those different from you.

Be a Multiplier

Sounds like a math problem—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

And in a way, it is a math problem.  On the surface, being a multiplier is like working in such a way to produce the result of more than just yourself.  It’s like

1 + 1 = 3

But it is much more than that.  One definition of being a multiplier is:

“A multiplier is someone who uses his or her intelligence to amplify and bring out the smarts and capability of those around them.”

Everybody around you is better because of you.

Multipliers

There are basically five types of multipliers.  They are:

• Talent Magnet – looks for talent everywhere, finds people’s native genius, utilizes people to their fullest, and removes blockers
• Liberator – creates space (to think, speak, and act), demands the best work, and generates rapid learning cycles
• Challenger – seeds the opportunity, lays down the challenge, then generates belief in what is possible
• Debate Maker – frames the issue, sparks the debate, and drives a sound decision
• Investor – defines ownership, invests resources, and holds people accountable

Which type of multiplier are you?

Unleash Your Multiplier

It is possible for business leaders and entrepreneurs to improve their multiplier capabilities.  Here are six areas of focus that will help you unleash your multiplier abilities:

1. Know How You Show Up – Multipliers have a strong sense of self-awareness.  They act in line with the organizational culture and values.  They develop high levels of emotional intelligence, create psychologically safe environments, and use tools like 360-degree feedback instruments.
2. Know Your Business – Multipliers are strong business people in addition to solid leaders.  They understand their markets, customers (and their realities), the global stage in which they operate, and how we keep score (financial acumen).
3. Liberate Talent – Talent liberators attract, engage, and inspire others while creating an intense environment that requires their team’s best thinking and work.  They use systems and processes to set clear expectations, manage performance, and provide the proper resources for their team’s success.
4. Develop Talent – Multipliers understand the native genius of each team member. They coach, influence, and provide feedback to maximize performance and growth.  They also create opportunities that cause people to stretch.
5. Make Quality Decisions – Multiplier leaders understand the situational nature of decisions and know the tools and traps inherent to a successful resolution.  As a result, they align to the organization’s priorities and, when appropriate, empower others and encourage rigorous debate.
6. Navigate Complexity – Multipliers see the “big picture,” and they can create a line of sight for their teams.  They adeptly lead and manage others through organizational change.  They foster and inspire others to innovate while staying agile.

The Bible

We worship a God who multiplies all the time.

In Genesis 1:28, we read,

“And God blessed them.  And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it,”

The typical understanding of “multiply” in this verse is to further populate the earth through the marriage of a man and a woman.  But in reading the Bible, it is clear, especially through the teachings of the Apostle Paul, that not all are destined for marriage and parenthood.  “Multiply” in this text could easily mean to help educate, train, and make those we are around better.

In John 6:1-14, Jesus fed well over 5,000 people with 12 baskets of leftovers from the five loaves and two fish given to him by a boy.  God did not simply feed a few people.  He fed everyone.  When we are multipliers, we are not just making a few better but making everyone better.

Proverbs 3:9-10 says,

Honor the Lord from your wealth,
And from the first of all your produce;
¹⁰ Then your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

If we give to God our first and our best, we will receive a multiple of our investment in return.

We are to be a multiplier.  Everyone and everything around us should be better because of our participation. 

There are ways to become a multiplier.  But the best and easiest way to become a multiplier is to allow God to do the multiplication for us.  And all we have to do is be obedient.