Imagine being told you can’t do something well before you even try. How would that make you feel? Would you try your best, or would you give up easily? This is the Golem Effect in action.
Can We Turn This Around?
What if, instead of low expectations, you were encouraged to do your best? How would that change your performance?
The Golem Effect
The Golem Effect happens when low expectations lead to poor performance. If a teacher thinks a student isn’t very smart, the student may believe it and stop trying. The same thing happens in teams at work. If a manager thinks an employee isn’t capable, the employee may start to believe it and underperform.
Why Does It Matter?
Expectations can shape reality. When leaders set low expectations, team members may feel undervalued and unmotivated. This can hurt team performance and overall success.
Everyday Example
In schools, studies have shown that teachers’ expectations can greatly impact students’ performance. When teachers believe in their students’ abilities, students perform better. The same principle applies to the workplace.
Simple ways to set high expectations
1. Show your team that you believe in their abilities. This boosts their confidence and motivates them to perform better. Example: A coach who believes in their players can inspire them to win games they thought were impossible.
2. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, highlight what can be improved and how. Positive feedback encourages growth and improvement. Example: A manager who praises efforts and provides helpful tips can transform an average employee into a top performer.
3. Challenge your team with goals that push their limits. This shows you believe in their potential. Example: A teacher who sets high standards for students encourages them to study harder and achieve more.
The Golem Effect shows us that low expectations can lead to poor performance. But by believing in your team, giving constructive feedback, and setting challenging goals, you can avoid this effect and boost performance.
How do you set expectations for your team?
Do Expectations Really Matter?
