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The Pygmalion Effect

 


  Let's turn back time to when we were in the classroom. Our teacher always reminded their students to believe that they can do particular subjects with full support. Imagine your boss comes to see you and tells you that he's really excited to see the final product of a new project and then he knows you are going to do well. Since your boss and teacher have high expectations for your performance, they might give you more support. Additionally, because you want to meet his expectations you may change your behaviour as well. That is what it calls the pygmalion effect. 

  The Pygmalion effect refers to situations where high expectations lead to improved performance and low expectations lead to worsened performance. It is a psychological term used to describe the impact of positive or negative expectations on the performance of an individual or a group. The Pygmalion effect demonstrates the power expectations have in shaping behaviour. 

  The Pygmalion effect works in a circular fashion. The first step is others' expectations about us influence their behaviour toward us. This is the trigger to improve our performance at work. The second is their behaviour toward us influences how we see ourselves. Our emotions become stable after their positive expectation are given to us. The third one is how we see ourselves impacts our own behaviour. Then last but not least, our behaviour toward others influences their beliefs, reinforcing their expectations. This cycle is from the Pygmalion effect. In other words, someone else's high expectations for our performance don't only impact how we act, but also how they act.

  The Pygmalion effect extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. It also stretches towards the business world and other leadership settings. It is a quite crucial part of the business setting and getting the best out of employees and students alike. So how can we do that? 

  Be aware of expectations. The Pygmalion effect is where our expectations of others affect our behaviour towards them. It is important to realise when we have different expectations. Instead of spotting weaknesses in people, we can look at the positives and their potential, and proactively avoid negative actions. 

  Positive language. A simple phrase like 'I'm not sure you can do this' or 'Can you try', can be negatively taken. Such phrases emphasise a lack of trust and low expectations. By complimenting others and identifying the strengths they have shown, we can create positive expectations for them. In turn, this can influence our own actions. This can then turn into a positive self-fulfilling prophecy. 

  Provide feedback. Whether it's a student, employee, or someone else, it is important to provide actionable feedback. One of the flaws that occur with the Pygmalion effect is the lack of consideration and effort given to those with low expectations. Instead of letting our expectations become a reality, give the person a chance to improve, develop, and prove you wrong. 

  The Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon that describes how others' positive expectations of us can become a prophecy, as they lead to improved performance. Similarly, if we believe someone has high expectations of us, we will work harder to meet those expectations, right?

  Thank you for your time and hopefully, this article is useful to gain more education. Have a nice day 😀.


References:

  1. Boyce, P. (2022) Pygmalion Effect (Definition and Example) - BoyceWire, BoyceWire. Available at: https://boycewire.com/pygmalion-effect-definition/.
  2. Rae, K. (2022) What is the pygmalion effect and how to use it to your advantage. Available at: https://kerwinrae.com/blogs/what-is-the-pygmalion-effect-and-how-to-use-it-to-your-advantage/
  3. The Pygmalion Effect (2023). Available at: https://simplysociology.com/pygmalion-effect.html.
  4. Nikolopoulou, K. (2022) What Is the Pygmalion Effect? | Definition & Examples, Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/pygmalion-effect/.
  5. The Pygmalion effect - The Decision Lab (2023). Available at: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/the-pygmalion-effect.


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