Force Multipliers

by John R. SedivycloseAuthor: John R. Sedivy Name: John R. Sedivy
Email: john@capecodbranding.com
Site: http://www.capecodbranding.com
About: See Authors Posts (213)

Recently I had reflected upon the end of my first enlistment in the Marine Corps and how when it came time to stay or go, I had received a letter saying something to the affect that my re-enlisting with the Marine Corps would serve as a “force multiplier.” This memory led me to think about the concept of a force multiplier and how this concept just as readily applies to business as the military.

What Is A Force Multiplier?
Wikipedia defines a force multiplier, or force multiplication as the following:

Force multiplication, in military usage, refers to a combination of attributes or advantages which make a given force more effective than another force of comparable size. A force multiplier refers to a factor that dramatically increases (hence “multiplies”) the effectiveness of an item or group.

In simple terms, this means that by strengthening one attribute you can greatly increase your competitive advantage, either in a military tactical sense, or a business environment. The Wikipedia entry continues by providing the following examples of common force multipliers:

* Morale
* Technology
* Geographical features
* Weather
* Recruitment through diplomacy
* Training and experience
* Fearsome reputation
* Deception

Keep in mind that the preceding list is designed specifically for military application and some examples which are necessary in the military environment, may not be desirable in the business environment (for example deception).

Force Multiplier Examples
One example of a force multiplier provided by Wikipedia is that an increase in technology may add to higher morale. This example makes sense to me. Technology, in many ways, makes our life easier. Something that makes my life easier puts me in a better mood, and therefore increases my morale or motivation. High technology which translates to higher motivation, and productivity equals a competitive advantage.

I really enjoy using my MacBook Pro. It’s fun to use and makes my life easier in many ways. This ease and enjoyment increases my morale which ultimately drives my productivity. Again, increased technology equals increased motivation which in turn equals higher productivity – this is a force multiplier.

In the military sense and in my situation, my force multiplier was my age and training. After serving five years in the Marine Corps, that organization viewed my military and academic training received to date as being valuable. What increased my value was that of my age – at the end of my enlistment I would be older than many Marines, which would equal more maturity and experience. Training is valuable, however training combined with experience, maturity, and ability is many times more valuable. So in this instance my force multipliers would be specific experience within the organization, my age, experience, and education – all of which would are force multipliers.

One final example that I will provide is that of the partnership between Amy and I. As I had mentioned in our original article on partnership, our strengths compliment one anothers weaknesses. Individually we have force multipliers, but together we have many more. I am strong in the beginning and end of projects and love to start and finish quickly but become bored in the middle. Amy tends to delay starting but once she starts, she is slow and steady throughout. This is one of the aspects that make our partnership great. For Amy’s original article on partnership refer to “The Key To Successful Business? Partnership”.

Discovering Your Force Multipliers?
At this point I ask you to consider your force multipliers. Consider your individual force multipliers and that of your business. What aspects make you a strong  and unique person when compared to others? What aspects of your organization make it strong and unique when compared to others? Once you have an answer, consider how you can leverage multiple force multipliers to strengthen your competitive advantage, both as an individual and as a business.

Consider your force multipliers and how you can leverage these to overcome the competition.

-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding

Filed under Business Developement, John's Articles, Personal Developement | Comment (1)