How to Manage the Diminisher!
George Kiorpelidis Jr ICF, DTM
Corporate leadership trainer and keynote speaker.
Liz Wiseman?is a researcher and executive advisor who teaches leadership to top organizations worldwide. I recently read one of her bestsellers titled Multipliers. In Multipliers, Liz explains how certain employers destroy the productivity of their teams.
The crazy thing is most of them are what she calls “accidental diminishers”. We’ve all worked for that person. You know who I’m talking about? They have a ton of experience in their field, know (or think they know) your job better than you, and just want to help.
Unfortunately their “help” often sucks all the creativity out of the team and often leaves “A” players running for the door and the ones that are left just become disengaged robots.
The Diminisher in Action
Let me share an example from the book that illustrates this point. Derek came from modest roots and was growing up in a tough in a working class town. He realized that if he didn’t make a change in his life he would end up in jail or worse. He chose the Navy and after getting tested they found that he had exceptional potential. Sean applied himself and after years of hard work graduated top of his class and was on a fast track to becoming a commander.
Under his CO (commanding officer), Derek was encouraged to test ideas and devise new ways to tackle existing procedures and methods. Derek passed his skills exams and led his team to beat the ship's current proficiency records. He was promoted by his CO and given his pick of assignments. He chose the Arleigh Burke, the Navy’s latest high-tech destroyer.
When he arrived, he quickly familiarized himself with the ship’s systems. However, his new CO (commanding officer) was unlike his old one. Now, rather than being given the freedom to find his own solutions, his new CO required Derek to follow his instructions to the letter. When Derek respectfully pointed out a potential improvement, he was quickly and publicly put in his place. It did not take long for Derek’s enthusiasm to diminish, and gradually, even his performance tests started to drop.
Fortunately, the Navy was observing Derek’s CO's performance, and he was soon demoted and moved to a different post. The new CO took the time to get to know his new officers and their strengths and soon re-tested them. Derek’s scores went back up, and he quickly became a valuable member of the ship's company.
The Effect of a Diminisher
Liz Wiseman and her team's research proves that these types of employers reduce their people's productivity by half! The good news is that by changing these bad tendencies, we can double our companies' productivity, engagement, and profits.
In this article, I will share some of the “self-defence” tips from Multipliers ( Available on Amazon here) on managing a diminishing boss.
In the book, this is the Diminishing Death Cycle—an ever-increasing standoff between the Diminishing boss and you as you become the newly minted Diminisher.
By responding with curiosity instead of judgment, you can break the cycle. Your boss may feel more respected and return the favour, which can build (or rebuild) trust.
In the book, Derek tries to manage his Diminisher by engaging him and finding ways to earn his trust. However, sometimes, even the best efforts will fall on deaf ears.
3 Tips on How to Manage a Diminishing Boss
The following are my favourites among the book's many tips on managing a diminishing boss.
In my next article, I'll share some of Liz’s tips on how to bring out the best in a diminisher.
If you want to learn more about managing a diminisher or think you might be an "accidental diminisher" don't hesitate to get in touch with me. I can give you an assessment that will help you identify your leadership style and give you some pointers on how to improve your technique.