The Multiplier Effect: Leaders creating a culture that drives success
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The CEO of Agilitas reveals the philosophy that took her from receptionist to the board room
Back in 2006, after realising that running my own nightclub was perhaps not going to be a viable career choice, I went to a high street agency and took a temp to perm job as a receptionist at Computacenter. Fast forward (cough) 19 years I find myself writing this article as the CEO of Agilitas, a leading Channel Services provider. I’m often asked about my journey from reception to the board room, and to be honest, it’s still a bit of a ‘pinch-me’ moment. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible leaders in the tech industry, seeing firsthand what styles lead to success, and perhaps more importantly, those that don’t. My journey has taught me one crucial thing: it’s all about the people.
Now, I’ll admit it: defining your own leadership style isn’t exactly a walk in the park. With the dynamics of today’s modern workplace, what works for one person or team might not work for another. It’s a complex mix of behaviours that depend on your personality, the team you’re working with, and the specific situation you’re in. Leadership isn’t static; it’s fluid, and how your style is perceived can be a bit of a puzzle, especially as you navigate the diverse personalities around you. But the beauty of it is that by reflecting on your approach, you can continually adjust and refine it to become the kind of leader you want to be.
The Multiplier Effect: Creating Growth and Learning
A key concept that resonates with me is something called the Multiplier Effect, a leadership approach that’s all about unleashing the full potential of your team. The idea comes from Liz Wiseman’s fantastic book, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, and it’s one that’s had a profound impact on my leadership style.
To put it simply, multipliers aren’t about telling people what to do; they’re about getting people to think for themselves, about unlocking their potential. They create an environment where people feel empowered to learn and grow, making a huge contribution not only to the business but also to their own personal development. In my leadership journey, I’ve learned that when I lead like a multiplier, I don’t just give answers – I ask questions, I trigger lightbulb moments, and I encourage those around me to think bigger and bolder.
