I recently revisited Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman. The book asks a powerful question: What’s the difference between leaders who hold others back (“Diminishers”) and those who make us better and smarter by bringing out the best in their teams (“Multipliers”)?
Even if you don’t have time to read the book, here are three takeaways that stand out to me, and how they relate to our work at UVA Health:
1. Multipliers unlock team potential by tapping into the full intelligence and capabilities of their teams.
We work in one of the most intellectually demanding fields. Academic medicine attracts curious, creative, and driven people. But being the smartest person in the room isn’t enough — especially if it quiets other voices. Multipliers don’t aim to have all the answers. Instead, they ask bold questions, encourage input, and stretch others with purposeful challenges. That’s when innovation happens and when people feel most valued.
I hear this at UVA Health during team huddles, department meetings, one-on-one sessions, rounds, and committee work. Great leaders create space for others to contribute. And when that happens, hidden talents emerge. Team members grow, move up the clinical ladder, join programs like the Health Leadership Institute — and become Multipliers themselves.
2. “The truth is that you do not need to be fabulous at everything.”
At UVA Health, we are fortunate to work alongside exceptional multipliers. But we’re all human, and even well-intentioned leaders can slip into Diminisher habits — like rushing decisions, micromanaging, limiting debate, or unintentionally holding others back. The first step toward change is awareness. From there, Wiseman suggests a practical approach: “neutralize a weakness and top off a strength.” That might mean delegating where you are less effective and empowering a team member whose skills complement your own. This will build up the whole team while giving you time to grow your strengths. At a large medical center within a broader health system, this kind of strength-sharing is crucial to advancing our One Future Together vision.
3. You don’t need permission or a leadership title to be a Multiplier.
Multipliers exist at every level — not just among executives or managers. As Wiseman puts it, “Give yourself permission to be better than your boss. And then watch the organization take notice.” If you feel a gap on your team, take the initiative: seek out a mentor, ask for feedback, and take a step forward on your leadership journey. Become the Multiplier your team needs and, in time, others will take notice.
Let’s keep building a culture that brings out the best in one another. Our mission to transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond depends on it.
Do you have a book that’s inspired you at work? I’d love to hear about it through the Be Heard Suggestion Box!
Take care and be well,
Wendy