Books by Liz Wiseman
School Administrator, February 2021


Several of Liz Wiseman’s published works have important applications for school leaders. Here’s what I see as their relevancy.

»Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter (2010, revised 2017)

Wiseman’s groundbreaking bestseller, Multipliers, explores two distinct leadership styles: Diminishers and Multipliers. Diminishers drain workplace intelligence, energy and human capacity. They also have a compelling need to be the smartest person in the room. Conversely, Multiplier leaders amplify the brain power and talents of their entire team. When Multipliers walk into a room, light bulbs start popping, ideas flow and problems get solved. The book’s practical tips push superintendents to become Multipliers whether they are just starting out in their role or have been at it a long time.

»The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools (2013)

During my superintendency, I used this book (which Wiseman co-authored with Lois N. Allen and Elise Foster) for a summer book study with the entire management team in the school district. After reflecting on the disciplines that distinguish Multipliers from Diminishers, the team committed to mobilizing the talents and native genius of their employees to expand the district’s collective intelligence. This practical book taught us (instructionally and operationally) that when leaders inspire more, we are able to achieve more as an organization.

»Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work (2014)
I found this book addresses the questions every experienced school leader faces: Will my knowledge and skills become obsolete and irrelevant? Will a young, inexperienced new-comer upend my organization or me? How can I keep up? Wiseman shares strategies that help us in school leadership at every career level stay fresh, keep learning and know when to think like a rookie.

Wiseman has a new title, The MVP Mindset, coming out in September, published by HarperCollins. 

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