A Multiplier Question

We all know what it is like to be short on resources and asked to be more effective. In Liz Wiseman's book Multipliers, based on significant research done with global leaders, she talks about the characteristics of a leader that multiplies the efforts of others rather than diminishes them.

As I was listening to the book today, one thing that stood out was a question she referenced when talking about how to help multiply the efforts of others. She encouraged the reader to ask the question "What kind of intelligence does this person have?"

I love this question because it does 2 things:

1. It assumes everyone you work with is intelligent and insightful.
2. It recognizes that the contributions of each person around you will be different and powerful if rightly understood. 

Many times we look a person over, make some assumptions about their potential and then put them in a box that limits their contribution. What would happen if we asked this question of each person we worked with regularly? I think we would uncover and empower whole new pieces of their potential!