Liz Wiseman on Building a Team of Multipliers

The Levity Effect, by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton, explores the significant impact of humor and levity in the workplace. The authors argue that incorporating humor and lightheartedness can boost employee engagement, productivity, and overall well-being. The book provides practical strategies and examples of how leaders can cultivate a more positive and productive work environment through the strategic use of humor. It emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks. The book's central message is that a little levity can go a long way in fostering a more successful and enjoyable work experience.

In 'Rookie Smarts', Liz Wiseman argues that experience can sometimes be a hindrance to innovation and growth. She identifies four rookie mindsets – Backpacker, Hunter-Gatherer, Firewalker, and Pioneer – that veterans can adopt to remain curious, flexible, and hungry for learning. The book emphasizes the importance of unlearning, relearning, and maintaining a state of mind that is open to new challenges and perspectives. Wiseman's research highlights that in many circumstances, inexperience can be more valuable than experience, and that the most successful leaders are those who can toggle between their veteran savvy and rookie smarts.

In this novel, Milo, a bored and apathetic boy, finds a mysterious tollbooth in his room. He drives through it in his toy car and enters the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a journey filled with curious characters and peculiar places. Along the way, Milo learns valuable lessons about the importance of thinking, learning, and appreciating the world around him. His adventures ultimately transform him from an unthinking and compliant boy to a young adult with greater consciousness and a firmer sense of self.

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.