As an orthodontist, we don’t just correct malocclusion. You also lead a team of professionals who work together to provide the best possible care for patients. When our team members feel stuck or uncertain about their responsibilities, we might tell them what to do. However, according to Liz Wiseman’s book Multipliers, this approach can cause diminishing returns if not executed correctly. We can benefit from learning how to identify diminishing tendencies and turn them into multiplier moments. Let’s explore some of Wiseman’s key teachings and how they can help us become a better leader.
Talent
The first point to understand about being a multiplier is recognizing the importance of talent. According to Wiseman, a multiplier “amplifies the intelligence, skills, and capabilities of the people around them.” Therefore, we must acknowledge your team members’ strengths and encourage them to use them to their full potential. Instead of micromanaging, let our team members take ownership of their tasks and trust them to develop creative solutions to problems. This approach empowers our team and frees up our time to focus on other critical tasks.
Ask Questions
The second point to consider is the importance of asking questions. When our team members bring up an issue, instead of immediately responding with a solution, ask them what they think. Our job is not to have all the answers but to help team members find them themselves. Doing so encourages their growth and development and makes them feel valued. This approach leads to a team willing and able to take on more challenging tasks.
Stretch
The third point is the importance of pushing your team members out of their comfort zones. According to Wiseman, a multiplier stretches people beyond what they think they can do. This approach not only helps your team members develop new skills but also helps them build confidence in their abilities. Therefore, we must challenge our team members to go beyond their current limits and provide them with the necessary support to achieve those goals.
Continuous Learning
The fourth and final point is recognizing the importance of creating a learning environment. According to Wiseman, a multiplier creates a “culture of learning” where everyone is encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and experiment with new ways of doing things. Therefore, we should foster a culture that views mistakes as learning opportunities and encourages everyone to improve continuously. Doing so creates a team willing to take risks and always looks for ways to improve patient care.
Conclusion
We can become a multiplier by recognizing the importance of talent, asking questions, stretching our team members out of their comfort zones, and creating a learning culture. Doing so makes a highly skilled, motivated, and committed team to provide patients with the best possible care. Remember, leadership is not about telling people what to do but amplifying the skills and capabilities of those around you.
