Have you ever encountered someone who believed in you more than you believed in yourself? Perhaps they thrust you into a project that felt terrifyingly out of reach or entrusted you with a responsibility that made your palms sweat. They spoke with a confidence you didn’t quite share, praising your grasp of a concept you were still desperately trying to understand. And somehow, their unwavering belief propelled you forward?

Well, if you have, you were likely experiencing the Pygmalion effect!

Named after the Greek myth of a sculptor who fell in love with his own creation, the Pygmalion Effect describes the phenomenon where high expectations lead to improved performance.

Where someone believes in your potential, even when you doubt yourself, where someone motivates you to stretch your abilities and achieve more than you thought possible.

Leaders, influencers and even parents who apply the Pygmalion effect either consciously or unconsciously have been found to unlock many possibilities for the people they lead and coach.

In fact, research by Harvard’s Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson found the Pygmalion effect helps:

• Increase Creativity and Problem-Solving: When someone believes you can achieve something, it encourages you to think outside the box and explore new ideas. You’re more likely to take risks and experiment, leading to innovative solutions and a more creative work environment.
• Enhance Resilience: The Pygmalion Effect promotes a sense of “I can do this” even in the face of setbacks. When you know someone believes in you, it’s easier to bounce back from challenges and persist in the face of difficulty.
• Improve Decision-Making: High expectations can lead to a more confident decision-making process. You are more likely to trust your judgment and take ownership of your choices.
• Inspire Individuals: The Pygmalion Effect isn’t just about external results. When someone consistently believes in you, it promotes a sense of self-worth and confidence that spills over into all areas of life. This can lead to greater well-being, a willingness to take on new challenges, and a stronger overall sense of self.

And if you are a leader or HR professional, you will also be pleased to know that the Pygmalion effect boosts Employee Performance. Rosenthal and Jacobsen’s study found that when leaders held high expectations (even if those expectations weren’t entirely based on current performance), employees thrived. They showed significant gains in productivity, engagement, and initiative compared to those under lower expectations.

There are many ways to create the Pygmalion Effect, and setting clear, high expectations is definitely a crucial first step.

One of my favourite approaches, after setting clear and high expectations, is to tell someone they’re better than they think they are. By genuinely believing in someone’s potential, even if they don’t quite see it themselves, you plant a seed of confidence. Aside from narcissists (whom I would not apply this approach with) most human beings see their faults before they see their brilliance.

Here’s how you can approach it:

• Observe and Appreciate: Firstly, take the time to observe and notice the natural talents and strengths they display.
• Shine a Light: Then share these observations. Explain what you see and where and how you could see these gifts and abilities being applied even more or in other areas.
• Challenge and assign: Next assign them a task that will stretch their abilities.
• Create a support net: Once the assignment is in place, talk through ways to support and guide them.
• Let them fly: Let them go for it.
• High fives and Feedback: Lastly check in, discuss learnings, provide feedback, and allow them to keep going.

I learned and applied these steps after reading about legendary NFL Coach Bill Parcels, who did some of these things with his players. Bill was renowned for his ability to cultivate talent in his players as well as winning 2 Super bowls and leading four different teams to the playoffs.

His approach, which I am sure you would agree, was one that served him well. I can also say it has assisted me significantly for decades too!

I trust as always that this has got you thinking and has been helpful in some way shape or form.