Author name: CEO Power Tank

One of the executive clients I met early this week inspired me to create this edition of the newsletter. His leadership style resonates deeply with the principles outlined in Liz Wiseman’s seminal work, “Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter.” In Wiseman’s framework, she delineates between Multipliers and Diminishers, highlighting the profound impact each type of leader can have on their team’s potential. Multipliers, as the name suggests, possess the remarkable ability to amplify the intelligence and capabilities of those around them, tapping into the full spectrum of their team’s potential. On the other hand, Diminishers unintentionally stifle growth, limiting their team’s capacity to a mere fraction of what it could be. The numbers speak volumes: while Diminishers may access only 20% of their teams’ potential, multipliers extract a staggering 100%. Now, let’s delve into what attributes this executive client of mine embodies to be the Multiplier leader: 🔹 Talent Magnetism: He effortlessly attracts and retains top talent by demonstrating his authenticity, fostering an environment where his people feel empowered and motivated to excel. His team members once shared with me that he sits down with each member to understand their priority in life, what are their best time of working on a daily basis and then arrange work to fit the need of each member. 🔹 Liberating Leadership: By cultivating a culture of trust and autonomy, he liberate his teams to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute their ideas without fear of micromanagement. You can hear his empowering words often, “I trust your expertise in this area, so I’m confident in your ability to make the right call.” All of his team members are the owner of their own responsibilities, the leadership culture and mindset are strongly instilled across the organisation. 🔹 The Challenger Mentality: He challenges his team members to stretch beyond their comfort zones, encouraging continuous growth and development. He sets ambitious but achievable goals that push team members to go beyond their usual boundaries. These goals often encourage his team to step out of their comfort zones and learn much more they would have no opportunities to learn from. Such a great way to grow his people and make them strive for excellence. He has put tremendous efforts to create a culture in his organisation where failure is seen as a learning opportunity and encourage employees to experiment and think outside the box. 🔹 Fostering Debate: He embraces diverse perspectives and healthy debate, multipliers harness the collective intelligence of their teams to arrive at optimal solutions. He establishes ground rules for respectful communication and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in discussions. This leader also encourages the team to work towards consensus by synthesizing different viewpoints and identifying common ground. His teams feel comfortable to compromise and collaboration, seeking to arrive at solutions that incorporate the best ideas from everyone involved. 🔹 Investment in Talent Development: He recognizes that the team’s success is intrinsically tied to individual growth, so he generously invest time and resources in developing the skills and potential of his people. His organisation not only provides excellent training and development opportunities, but also creates a mentoring culture through senior leaders volunteering in mentoring to junior and young leaders. They invest in high-stake coaching engagement to their leadership team so they can be more effective in leading and empowering their teams. While I continue to work with this executive client, he vividly reminds me of another world-class leader, Pat Gelsinger. Pat Gelsinger, the CEO of Intel Corporation, a an excellent example of a leader who embodies an Multiplier’s characteristics: Gelsinger’s leadership at Intel has been instrumental in driving innovation, cultivating a culture of excellence, and positioning the company for long-term success in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. While we are celebrating the power of multiplication in leadership, I would encourage you all to embody these attributes and evolve into a multiplier leader. As the leader, do remember that one of your fundamental roles is unlocking the full potential of your team so they can become the best version of themselves, grow into the future leaders and propel your organization to new heights of success.

We are living in a world centered with power and authority. However, is it what it means to lead? True leaders aren’t after power at all. They hold a strong purpose in creating a positive impact on others. They understand that their influence extends far beyond titles and hierarchies; it’s about the profound difference they make in people’s lives. Great leaders share power in multifaceted ways. They recognize that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a dynamic journey of adaptation and growth. Here’s how they do it: ⏺ Leading from the Front Sometimes, leaders need to step up and drive vision. They champion changes fearlessly, inspiring others to follow suit. Leading from the front is about setting the pace and embodying the values you wish to see in your team and organization. ⏺ Leading from the Side Collaboration is at the heart of effective leadership. Great leaders understand the power of partnership and actively engage with their team members. They listen, empathize, and work alongside others to achieve shared goals. Leading from the side means valuing the perspectives of every individual and harnessing the collective wisdom of the  team. ⏺ Leading from the Back True empowerment lies in giving others the space to shine. Leaders who lead from the back understand the importance of stepping back and letting others take charge. They provide support, guidance, and encouragement from behind the scenes, allowing their team members to unleash their full potential. As we delve into the multifaceted nature of leadership, it’s crucial to discern when and how to lead from various positions—front, side, and back. Let’s explore the nuanced scenarios where each approach shines brightest. Identifying the Right Moment: Before diving into specific situations, leaders must possess a keen awareness of their team dynamics, organizational goals, and individual strengths. Effective leadership requires adaptability and a deep understanding of when to step forward, stand beside, or support from behind. 1. Leading from the Front • Visionary Initiatives: When introducing bold initiatives or driving transformative change, leaders must lead from the front. By articulating a compelling vision and demonstrating unwavering commitment, they inspire others to rally behind them. • Crisis Management: In times of crisis or uncertainty, decisive action is paramount. Leaders must take charge, providing clear direction and instilling confidence in their team’s ability to weather the storm. • Driving Innovation: When pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, leaders must lead by example. By fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking, they empower their team to explore new possibilities and embrace unconventional solutions. 2. Leading from the Side • Collaborative Projects: In collaborative endeavors where diverse perspectives are crucial, leaders excel when leading from the side. By actively listening to team members, facilitating constructive dialogue, and fostering an environment of trust, they harness the collective intelligence of the group. • Cross-Functional Teams: When leading cross-functional teams with varying expertise and backgrounds, leaders must adopt a lateral approach. By embracing inclusivity and valuing each team member’s contributions, they create a sense of belonging and unity. • Change Implementation: During periods of organizational change, leaders must navigate complexity with finesse. Leading from the side involves soliciting feedback, addressing concerns, and co-creating solutions with stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and alignment at every step. 3. Leading from the Back • Empowering Others: To nurture a culture of empowerment and growth, leaders must sometimes take a step back. By entrusting others with autonomy and accountability, they cultivate leadership capabilities within their team and pave the way for long-term success. • Mentoring and Coaching: When guiding individuals on their developmental journey, leaders shine when leading from the back. By offering mentorship, coaching, and constructive feedback, they empower others to realize their full potential and achieve personal and professional growth. • Celebrating Team Success: In moments of triumph and achievement, leaders must graciously step aside and shine the spotlight on their team. By acknowledging and celebrating collective accomplishments, they foster a sense of pride, camaraderie, and shared purpose. Here are live examples illustrating each approach: 1️⃣ Leading from the Front Elon Musk: As the CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk exemplifies leading from the front. His visionary initiatives, such as the development of reusable rockets and plans for interplanetary colonization, demonstrate his willingness to take bold risks and drive transformative change in the aerospace industry. 2️⃣ Leading from the Side Sheryl Sandberg: As the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg embodies leading from the side. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, actively engaging with team members and fostering a culture of open communication and shared responsibility. Sandberg’s emphasis on mentorship and empowerment has been instrumental in cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. 3️⃣ Leading from the Back: Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, provides a powerful example of leading from the back. During his presidency, Mandela prioritized reconciliation and empowerment, often deferring to others and allowing them to take charge. His commitment to unity and forgiveness laid the foundation for a peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa. True leaders aren’t after power at all, but a strong purpose in creating a positive impact on others. Great leaders share power in multifaceted ways, even by being followers too. Sometimes they lead from the front to drive vision and champion changes; Sometimes they lead from the side and follow others simultaneously, to collaborate; Sometimes they lead from the back, simply following, to empower others and let them take charge. They understand their position and their leadership is situational. Reflect on your leadership: Which style can you lean into this week to empower your team? Try one action, like delegating a key project or hosting a collaborative meeting. Share your insights on Linkedin Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/g-AD5aEP to to deepen your journey. Together, let’s redefine leadership through shared power and transformative impact.

CEOs are often expected to be vocal, visible leaders, constantly communicating and networking. Yet, the most effective CEOs I’ve coached embrace the power of quiet leadership. By prioritizing solitude, active listening, and strategic restraint, they gain clarity, build trust, and make impactful decisions. This article explores six ways quiet leadership transforms CEOs into visionary stewards, with practical strategies and real-world examples to guide new and aspiring leaders. 1. Prioritize Solitude for Strategic Clarity In a high-pressure business world, CEOs can get trapped in relentless busyness. Quiet leaders carve out time for solitude to reflect, connect ideas, and gain strategic perspective. 2. Listen Actively to Unlock Insights Listening is a rare and powerful skill. Quiet CEOs prioritize hearing diverse perspectives, fostering trust and uncovering opportunities others miss. 3. Build Trust Through Empathy Quiet leadership fosters empathy, strengthening relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders. By listening attentively, CEOs build a culture of trust and inclusion. 4. Communicate Strategically Quiet doesn’t mean silent. Thoughtful, deliberate communication inspires confidence and aligns stakeholders with clarity and authenticity. 5. Enhance Decision-Making Through Reflection Quiet leadership creates space for thoughtful decision-making. By stepping back from the noise, CEOs analyze complex issues and align choices with strategic goals. 6. Lead by Example with Quiet Confidence A CEO’s quiet presence exudes confidence and authority, inspiring teams and fostering a reflective, innovative culture. Case Study: Tim Cook’s Quiet Leadership at Apple Taking over from Steve Jobs in 2011, Tim Cook faced immense pressure to lead Apple. Known for his reserved demeanor, Cook’s quiet leadership has sustained Apple’s legacy while driving new growth. Harnessing the Power of Quiet As Peter Drucker said, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” Quiet leadership, through solitude, listening, empathy, and strategic restraint, empowers CEOs to navigate complexity, inspire trust, and shape lasting success. Reflect on your leadership: How can you embrace quiet moments to elevate your impact? Start by scheduling 15 minutes of reflection today or asking your team for candid feedback. Share your insights on Linkedin Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/g-AD5aEP to deepen your journey. Let’s harness the power of quiet to transform leadership and move the world forward.

As the captain of an organization, a CEO shapes its strategic direction, fosters innovation, manages stakeholders, and drives sustainable success. Coaching new CEOs has revealed their eagerness to navigate this complex terrain with confidence. This guide outlines 15 essential CEO responsibilities, offering practical strategies and real-world examples to empower new and aspiring leaders to thrive in their roles. 1. Define Mission and Vision A clear mission and vision align the organization and inspire action. 2. Drive Strategic Planning Strategic plans translate vision into action, adapting to industry trends and market dynamics. 3. Uphold Corporate Governance Robust governance ensures transparency, compliance, and ethical conduct. 4. Champion Talent Development A high-performing culture relies on engaged, skilled teams. 5. Foster Leadership and Culture A collaborative, innovative culture drives organizational success. 6. Manage Stakeholders Effectively Strong stakeholder relationships align expectations with organizational goals. 7. Oversee Financial Health Sound financial management ensures long-term viability. 8. Enhance Operational Efficiency Streamlined operations boost productivity and resilience. 9. Mitigate Risks A robust risk management framework protects the organization. 10. Prioritize Customer Focus A customer-centric approach drives loyalty and growth. 11. Embrace Technology and Innovation Innovation keeps organizations competitive in a digital age. 12. Build Brand and Reputation A strong brand reflects organizational values and builds trust. 13. Strengthen Investor Relations Transparent investor communication fosters confidence and support. 14. Lead Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Strategic M&A drives growth and competitive advantage. 15. Advance CSR and Sustainability Sustainable practices enhance long-term impact and stakeholder trust. 16. Ensure Succession Planning Robust succession plans ensure leadership continuity. Leading with Impact The CEO role is a dynamic journey, requiring strategic vision, ethical leadership, and resilience to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. By mastering these 15 responsibilities, CEOs can drive sustainable success and leave a lasting legacy. Reflect on your leadership journey: Which responsibility can you strengthen today? Explore resources and visit theceoelevation.com or Linkedin Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/g-AD5aEP  to share insights and learn from peers. Together, let’s empower transformative leadership that shapes the future of business. Transforming Leaders, Moving the WorldTop Global CEO Coach & C-Suite Coach 2023 | Keynote Speaker on Human Leadership | CEO Transition Coaching | Author of Integral CEO