The Multiplier Effect: Leaders creating a culture that drives success

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.

This is especially important in the fast-moving world we live in. It’s critical to encourage growth and continual learning, not just for your team, but for yourself too. I’m not afraid to ask for help, and I have my own mentors who aren’t afraid to call me out and help me grow. I read, I listen to podcasts, and I actively seek out new ways to improve because, as any leader will tell you, if you're not growing, you're falling behind.

Building A-Players and a Cohesive Team Culture

When it comes to leadership at Agilitas, creating a culture where everyone can thrive is at the top of my list. Culture is everything - it impacts not only how employees feel about their work but also how customers experience our brand. At Agilitas, we follow a “total experience” approach, which means we believe everything is connected. The way our employees feel impacts the way they interact with our customers, and ultimately, that trickles down into the overall business performance. It’s a 360-degree approach to growth and success.

Part of that culture-building is about creating a team of A-players - individuals who drive results and push the team to new heights. But as anyone who’s worked in a high-performing team knows, the secret to success isn’t just about having a group of rockstars. It's about ensuring everyone is rowing in the same direction, all working toward a shared vision. Setting clear goals and strategies is key to making sure that alignment happens.

Once a quarter, the leadership team at Agilitas heads to a farm in the New Forest for an offsite strategy session. It’s a great chance to step away from distractions and really focus on setting the direction for the next quarter. These sessions help ensure that everyone understands the goals, the strategy, and how their individual roles contribute to the bigger picture.

The Power of Cognitive Diversity: Driving Innovation Through Inclusion

Fostering an environment of diversity is also essential to driving innovation and success. When I reflect on my previous role as chair of the diversity and inclusion board, where I helped establish seven employee-led groups, I see how powerful diverse perspectives are in shaping a thriving workplace.

Beyond gender and ethnicity, diversity includes cognitive diversity - having people with different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and approaching challenges. This diversity of thought sparks creativity, promotes resilience, and encourages more innovative solutions. Building a culture of inclusion, where every voice is heard and valued, strengthens psychological safety, allowing employees to feel confident in sharing their ideas and taking risks. This culture is the foundation for growth and success, as it creates a space where individuals can truly thrive and contribute to the team’s vision.

The Power of Leadership in Driving Business Success

I’m a firm believer that when people feel valued and empowered, they go above and beyond. And that’s the key to success - when your team is engaged, motivated, and aligned with your goals, they deliver incredible results. When employees feel invested in their work and in the company’s success, they’re more likely to contribute their best ideas, go the extra mile for customers, and truly feel part of something bigger than themselves. It’s the multiplier effect in action: engaged employees lead to satisfied customers, which in turn, drives business performance.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future at Agilitas and in the broader tech industry. By focusing on growth, development, and creating an environment where people are empowered to be their best selves, we’re fostering a culture that leads to success - not just for the individuals on our team, but for the entire business. It's about fostering a cycle of growth that creates long-term success and truly makes an impact on everyone we work with.

As leaders, we have the power to multiply greatness. Let's make the most of that.