The Pygmalion Effect
The Pygmalion effect is a phenomenon in which higher expectations from an individual leads to an increase in performance. It is based on the idea that if people expect more from themselves or from others, they will work harder and achieve more. The effect was first described in the context of education by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in their 1968 book “Pygmalion in the Classroom.” They found that when teachers were told that certain students were expected to do well, those students actually did better than their peers, even though the teachers were not consciously treating them differently. The effect has also been observed in the workplace, in sports, and in other areas.
There are several ways you can apply the Pygmalion effect in your own life:
- Set high expectations for yourself. By believing in your own abilities and setting challenging but achievable goals, you can motivate yourself to work harder and achieve more.
- Communicate your expectations to others. If you are a leader or manager, make sure to communicate your expectations clearly to your team members. This can help them to understand what is expected of them and to work harder to meet those expectations.
- Encourage others to set high expectations for themselves. By providing support, resources, and positive feedback, you can help others to believe in their own abilities and to set their own high expectations.
- Be aware of self-fulfilling prophecies. Be mindful of the expectations you have for yourself and others and how they may be influencing your own behavior and the behavior of others.
- Celebrate successes. When people achieve their goals or exceed expectations, make sure to acknowledge and celebrate their successes. This can help to reinforce the belief that high expectations lead to high achievement.
