Leadership Multiplies Through People

by Jon Close

May 11, 2026

Leadership is not measured by how much we accomplish personally.

It is measured by how many leaders we develop.

Many leaders unintentionally limit their influence because they try to do everything themselves. While that may produce short-term efficiency, it restricts long-term growth.

John C. Maxwell teaches that a leader’s greatest return come from developing leaders who, in turn, develop other leaders.

This is where influence multiplies.

Instead of asking:
"How can I accomplish more?"

Effective leaders ask:
"Who can I develop so that together we accomplish more?"

This Week's Practice

Choose one responsibility you currently carry that could help develop someone else.

This week:

• Delegate it intentionally for development, not just efficiency.
• Provide guidance and support
• Allow the person to own the outcome

Development always requires trust and opportunity.

DISC Insight - Multiplying Leadership

D - Dominance

You value, speed and results. Remember: developing others may take longer initially but multiplies results over time - and frees you to focus on higher level work.

I - Inspiring

You enjoy working with people. Strengthen your development impact by following through with structure and accountability.

S - Support

You are naturally supportive. Encourage people to step forward into leadership opportunities.

C- Cautious

You value high standards. Allow others the room to learn and grow. Rather than expecting perfection immediately: coach their progress instead of correcting every detail.

Bottom Line:

Leaders who build followers add influence.

Leaders who build leaders multiply influence.

Support Builds Confidence

As people grow in skill, they often reach a stage where they can perform but may lack confidence. At this point, leaders shift from directing to supporting-less focus on telling what to do and more on active listening, encouraging and involving them in decisions. Supportive leadership involves listening, encouraging, involving team members in decisions. Ken Blanchard emphasizes that people deve...

Encourage Risk and Learning

Growth requires stepping beyond familiar territory. Yet many people hesitate to take initiatives because they fear making mistakes. Empowering leaders create environments where learning is valued more than perfection. John C. Maxwell reminds us that evaluated mistakes often become our greatest teachers in leadership development. The goal is not avoiding every mistake, but learning from every e...

Coaching Develops Capability

Once people begin gaining skill, they often need encouragement. This stage requires coaching leadership - a balance of direction and support for people who are gaining skill but building confidence. Leaders continue providing guidance while also encouraging confidence and engagement. Ken Blanchard reminds us that coaching leaders help people understand both the task and their growing ability t...