The Pygmalion Effect

In the 1960s, two researchers named Rosenthal and Jacobson ran an experiment that we could never EVER do again today lol.

They walked into an elementary school and gave every student a bogus test.

Then, they picked a random group of kids, and told the teachers those random students were about to experience a big jump in intelligence that year.

Based on these completely MADE-UP test score metrics.

All optics.

They labeled these students as "bloomers."

These chosen kids were not special and they were not tested differently.

The only variable that was manipulated was the teachers' belief that they were.

So, nine months later, Rosenthal and the gang rolled back through to see if the kids who had been labeled as "bloomers" actually did bloom.

And they did, indeed.

Their IQ scores increased more.

Their performance jumped across all subjects.

They gained ground in social circles and on teams.

Even their behavior towards their parents changed.

All because the supervising adults around them believed they would.

Do you understand how important that is?

The Pygmalion Effect

Researchers coined this the Pygmalion Effect.

The effect that the expectation of leaders has on performance and behavior.

I believe the most powerful question you can ask another human is:

"Why not you?"

I share that sentiment often.

Because my life shifted when a mentor asked me that.

Because the moment I realized I couldn't give her a good answer,

was the moment I realized she had given me the greatest gift a teacher could ever give,

the audacity of self-belief.

If you have been afforded the opportunity to teach, to lead, to train, to coach...

remember that the only thing that matters is what we teach people to believe about themselves.

Only after that do we teach them the technique needed to go achieve whatever that belief turns out to be.

Cheers to the audacity you've given to so many.

Go get a bucket.

And remember I'm always in your corner. Reach out anytime.

BriAnna

P.S.

I remember every coach I ever had that believed in me.

And I also remember every one that didn't.

Who are you, if not who you are remembered to be?