The Pygmalion Effect

The Pygmalion Effect, also known as the Rosenthal Effect, is a phenomenon where high expectations lead to improved performance. The effect is named after the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he had created.

The effect was first studied by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in a classroom setting in 1968. They told teachers that certain students in their class were expected to perform exceptionally well academically, but these students were actually chosen at random. The researchers found that the teacher’s expectations of these students did in fact lead to improved performance.

The Pygmalion Effect can also be observed in the workplace, where employees who are given high expectations by their managers tend to perform better than those who are given low expectations. The effect can also be self-fulfilling, where individuals live up to the expectations set for them by others.

It’s important to note that the Pygmalion Effect is not always positive, in some cases, high expectations can lead to overpressure and underperformance, particularly in cases of low-self esteem individuals. Also, it’s essential to set realistic expectations, as unrealistic ones can lead to disappointment and demotivation.