High Expectations - The Pygmalion Effect

High Expectations lead to High Outcomes.

The 'Pygmalion' effect, also known as the Rosenthal effect, explains that high expectations induce improvements in performance in a certain field (Mitchell & Daniels, 2003). I believe this can be used in a very POSITIVE, encouraging and exciting way to motivate, support and inspire teams. Moving from planning, thinking and talking to into implementation and action.

To leverage this effect, leaders can employ strategies like setting clear, high expectations, providing constructive feedback, offering support and resources, recognising achievements, and fostering a positive environment.

Creating high standards in everything you do.

Applications of High Expectations

This approach has been adapted and used in many ways to create self-fulfilling prophecies, visualising, high standards and valuing a positive attitude. ..

'Well done is better than well said.'

'Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in.'

'The most important thing is, whatever you do decide to choose, take it seriously and do your best.'

'Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.'

'I believe that in life, you have to give things your best shot, do your best. You have to focus on what needs to be done, do the right thing, not the popular thing.'

About the Pygmalion Study

Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson's study (1968) demonstrated that children's performance improved when teachers were led to anticipate better performance from the children.

Similarly, if teachers were led to expect lower performance, the children's performance would decline. The authors claimed that the study's findings supported the hypothesis that expectations from others can positively or negatively influence performance. This phenomenon is known as the observer-expectancy effect. Rosenthal contended that biased expectations could alter reality and lead to self-fulfilling prophecies.

At the start of the study, all students at a specific California elementary school took a disguised IQ test. The results were not shared with the teachers. Teachers were informed that some students (around 20% of the school, selected randomly) were likely to be "intellectual bloomers" for the year, expected to perform better than their peers. The names of these bloomers were revealed to the teachers.

At the study's conclusion, all students retook the same IQ test. Across all six grades in both the experimental and control groups, there was an average increase in IQ scores from the beginning to the end of the study.

However, first- and second-grade students in the experimental "intellectual bloomers" group showed statistically significant improvements. This suggested that teachers' expectations, especially for younger children, can affect student performance.

Rosenthal believed that even attitude or mood could positively affect the students when the teacher was made aware of the "bloomers." The teacher may pay closer attention to and even treat the child differently in times of difficulty.

Strategies for Implementing the Pygmalion Effect:

Set High Expectations: Clearly communicate what is expected of team members, focusing on potential and encouraging ambitious goals.
Provide Support and Resources: Offer the necessary tools, training, and guidance to help team members achieve their goals.
Offer Constructive Feedback: Regularly provide feedback, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement to guide growth.
Recognise and Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and reward achievements, both big and small, to reinforce positive behaviours.
Foster a Positive Environment: Create a supportive and collaborative culture where team members feel valued and motivated.
Remove Negative Expectations: Avoid creating stereotypes or limiting beliefs about potential.
Wipe the Slate Clean: Focus on current performance and potential, rather than dwelling on past failures. Each day is a new start.
Encourage Self-Efficacy: Help team members believe in their own capabilities and abilities.
Monitor and Adjust Standards: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of high expectations and make adjustments as needed.
Encourage Innovation and Risk-Taking: Promote creativity and willingness to experiment in pursuit of excellence