The gravity effect

“To lead on purpose, we must understand
how we diminish by accident.”
– Liz Wiseman, Multipliers

Leaders create gravity.

That’s the core message from Advantage President & CEO Jonathan Hodge in Episode 2 of Coach’s Corner, where he unpacks how a leader’s presence shapes everything—from mindset to performance.

An ICF-certified coach via Georgetown University’s Institute of Transformational Leadership, Jon is weaving in powerful coaching moments relevant to each episode of our active new web series, The Intangibles.

This gravity effect means that your beliefs, behaviors, and blind spots pull others toward a direction of clarity or confusion, trust or tension, whether or not you’re aware of it.

Drawing on the principles of Multipliers by Liz Wiseman, Jonathan explains how great leaders don’t just hold space—they expand it. They multiply intelligence by being intentional with their energy and presence, creating cultures where others feel permission to think, contribute, and grow.

This power of intention turns leaders into talent magnets who are able to:

• Spot native genius—unique, natural strengths that others may overlook.

• Give people stretch opportunities to grow and shine.

• Create a climate of growth, where people feel seen, valued, and challenged.

• Invest in potential, not just credentials.

For L&D professionals, the takeaway is clear: Leadership development isn’t just about skills—it’s about self-awareness. Helping leaders notice the gravitational pull they exert may be the most transformative learning you can offer.

Register to join us July 17 for Episode 2 of The Intangibles, on unleashing the brilliance in others, featuring Multipliers.

Access more of Jon’s coaching advice here on the power of intentional leadership, including 3 questions to sit with this week, and an experiment for trying out the gravity effect.

One great thing for 07.08.25 – What are your Accidental Diminisher tendencies? Take this quiz to find out!