Dr. Gregory Walton, a Stanford professor and co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab, discusses his book, Ordinary Magic. He reveals how small, intentional acts can lead to big changes in people's lives. Walton explores the power of mentorship and the profound impact of wise interventions, particularly for marginalized individuals. He emphasizes the critical need for belonging in educational settings and how supportive actions can empower students. Inspired by his research, Walton illustrates how transformational leadership can emerge from everyday moments.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Refugee Strengths Boost Success
A 10-minute online session sharing refugee strengths increased engagement and performance significantly.
Refugees sharing their own stories fostered a positive self-view and success in their studies.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mentor's Early Belief Changed Life
A professor believed early in Greg Walton's potential by dedicating a book to him encouragingly.
This early support was a transformational act of leadership in his career journey.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Wise Feedback to Unlock Potential
Leaders should offer wise feedback by communicating high standards and belief in capability.
Such feedback unlocks potential by assuring recipients their challenges reflect growth, not failure.
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This book, first published in 1989, outlines seven habits that are designed to help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives. The habits are grouped into three categories: Private Victory (habits 1-3), Public Victory (habits 4-6), and Renewal (habit 7). The habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. Covey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, effective time management, empathetic communication, and continuous self-improvement[2][5][4].
Ordinary Magic
Gregory Walton
Multipliers
How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter
Liz Wiseman
In 'Multipliers,' Liz Wiseman explores the differences between two types of leaders: Multipliers and Diminishers. Multipliers are leaders who bring out the best in their teams, amplifying their intelligence and capabilities, while Diminishers are those who stifle their teams' potential. The book outlines five disciplines of Multipliers: Talent Magnet, Liberator, Challenger, Debate Maker, and Investor. These disciplines help leaders create an environment where team members feel valued, inspired, and empowered to contribute their best. Wiseman's research shows that Multipliers get twice as much from their people compared to Diminishers, who often leave their teams underutilized and demotivated.
Dr. Gregory Walton, Stanford professor and co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab, shares insights from his new book Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Drawing from decades of social psychology research, he explains how simple, intentional gestures—like wise feedback, affirming someone’s strengths, or showing belief in their potential—can transform lives and unlock performance. Whether you’re a leader, educator, parent, or friend, this conversation will inspire you to recognize the extraordinary power you hold in everyday moments to help others feel seen, valued, and capable.
FranklinCovey On Leadership with Scott Miller 
