Transforming Leadership through Communication Styles: Lessons from Magic Johnson and Thought-Provoking Leadership

How do leaders use their strengths not only to excel individually but also to elevate those around them? When should we take charge and provide direction, and when should we step back to let others grow? In a world that increasingly values collaboration and empowerment, balancing directive and collaborative communication styles has become essential.

A story told by Liz Wiseman in her book, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, has left a strong impression on me. It is about Magic Johnson, the NBA Hall of Famer who transformed from a star player into an exceptional leader. In high school, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr. was already a basketball phenomenon. His coaches urged him to shoot the ball whenever he had it, leading his team to consistent victories. But one night, as he left the gym following another high-scoring game, he noticed the disappointed expressions on the faces of his teammates' parents. They had not come just to see Magic dominate the court—they wanted to see their own kids play and succeed.

In that moment, he made a choice to use his skills to make his teammates better players. From that point on, Magic became more than a star; he became a leader who brought out the best in others. His decision to shift from focusing solely on his own performance to uplifting his teammates struck me as a powerful example of collaborative leadership—a shift that elevated not only his game but also the game of everyone around him.

This story impacted me even more deeply as Wiseman’s book explored the idea of leaders who amplify the abilities and contributions of those around them. Wiseman called these leaders “multipliers,” and Magic's story perfectly captured this “multiplier effect.” Today, as traditional, rigid hierarchies give way to more collaborative, open cultures, this multiplier style of leadership—balancing both directive and collaborative communication—is essential for leaders who want to inspire and elevate their teams. Here is how leaders can incorporate this approach using different communication styles:

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1. Using directive communication to set clear expectations

A directive communication style is valuable in high-stakes or time-sensitive situations where clarity and speed are crucial. Leaders can create focus by defining roles clearly, ensuring each team member understands their responsibilities. Directing with purpose through concise and clear instructions minimizes confusion and keeps momentum steady. By modeling accountability and discipline, leaders set a standard that others can follow, particularly when quick action is needed. This approach brings structure and focus, empowering teams to confidently navigate critical situations.

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2. Adopting collaborative communication to foster growth

Collaborative communication builds trust, motivation, and engagement by valuing each team member's input. Leaders can invite contributions by encouraging open dialogue and showing that each voice matters. Asking open-ended questions like “How do you see this playing out?” helps foster ownership and deeper thinking. Providing support and resources empowers teams to achieve their best. This approach cultivates a culture where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute, creating a shared sense of purpose.

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3. Balancing both styles to build trust and inspire success

Effective leaders know when to use directive or collaborative communication, creating a balanced environment that supports both structure and creativity. Adapting communication style to the situation—using directive communication for urgent tasks and collaboration for strategic discussions—helps teams stay aligned. Constructive feedback keeps the team on course while maintaining transparency and trust. Consistency in style reassures team members, building a secure environment where they feel open to new ideas. Balancing these styles fosters resilience and adaptability, helping teams perform at their best.

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I remembered a meeting I once had with a very senior leader. My team and I were there to present specific measures to enhance certain processes, confident in the depth of detail we had prepared. Yet, as we presented, it became clear that he did not need to know the specifics to add significant value. Instead of diving into technicalities, he asked thought-provoking questions that opened new avenues for us.

Though unfamiliar with the industry's nuances, his questions raised broader, unexpected points that gave us pause. By the end of that meeting, we were not just defending our ideas; we were refining them, feeling a bit smarter and more insightful because he had prompted us to think more deeply. Is that not the mark of a multiplier?

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Here are my three tips for leaders to build trust through balanced communication:

1. Be aware of different leadership communication styles: Recognize that both directive and collaborative styles have their place. Understanding when to use each approach helps create clarity without stifling creativity.

2. Know your style: pros and cons: Every leader has a natural communication style, and knowing its strengths and limitations is essential. A directive style offers clarity and speed but can stifle input if overused. Collaborative styles foster engagement and idea-sharing but may lack quick resolution. Being mindful of these strengths and trade-offs allows leaders to adapt as needed.

3. Work on the other style: If you are naturally directive, practice collaborative skills, such as asking open-ended questions and inviting feedback. If you are more collaborative, work on being more decisive and setting clear expectations when necessary. Developing skills in both styles enables you to lead flexibly, responding effectively to various situations.

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Think of leadership as coaching a team, where the best coaches know when to call a defensive play and when to go on the offensive. They shift seamlessly between providing clear direction and stepping back to let players make strategic moves. By balancing directive guidance with collaborative flexibility, leaders create a team that is both adaptable and resilient, ready to tackle challenges from any angle. This blend of styles fosters a culture of trust, unity, and shared success—qualities that bring out the best in every team member and lead to victory together.