Pygmalion Effect: People will adapt their behavior to meet an expectation.There is an old saying that "garbage in = garbage out." I became familiar with this phrase learning while programming computers. The concept can also work with leadership. "Leadership gets what it emphasizes." (Coach Chris Petersen) As leaders, our influence can have huge impacts on those we lead. Our perceptions of those we lead and the actions we take because of those beliefs are powerful forces. As humans, what we think of ourselves can easily be what we are or become.
Researchers call the adaptation of a behavior to meet expectations the "Pygmalion effect" or the "self-fulfilling prophecy." Watch Krown Innovation's video "Pygmalion Effect in Management."
To positively affect leadership performance on your team, consider addressing the four key factors found in Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson's research:
- Climate Factor: Create a warm climate (leadership environment)—be nice with what you say and via nonverbal channels of communication.
- Input Factor: Adopt a culture of learning and continuous improvement. Build the team by sharing your knowledge with team members.
- Response-Opportunity (Output) Factor: Expect greatness; encourage more from your team. Foster team cohesion.
- Feedback Factor: Praise team members more and provide quality feedback to address poor performance.
- Download and read "The Pygmalion Effect: How Leaders and Managers Can Create a Virtuous Cycle of Self-Fulfilling Prophecies."
- Download the "Lean on Me" Leadership in Cinema lesson plan, watch the movie with your team, and discuss the video with respect to the Pygmalion Effect or self-fulfilling prophecy.
- Research the "golem effect."
- Contemplation:
- Are your expectations directly affecting team performance?
- Consider the negative affect—golem effect—on performance.
About the Author: Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.
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