1. Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The Pygmalion Effect
Years back when I just changed jobs from a logistics operations supervisor to a Trainer position. My new
boss took me with him to a multinational organization where he was scheduled to facilitate to middle
management staff just two days after resuming at my desk. I watched him do his thing, not knowing that, I
would be in the same room 24 hours later addressing same caliber of participants. The expectations my boss
had were clearly stated and he gave me all the support in form of practical examples I could use to support
arguments, ice breakers in case I got stuck, he reinforced the belief that I could deliver on the task. This
undoubtedly boosted my confidence and I got to work feeling really relevant in my new found role. My third
day on the job, I was left alone to do my own first solo presentation to mid level staff and I gave it my best
knowing full well, that I could not afford to let my boss down. He had deposed so much faith in me and I did
all I could to live up to expectations. I researched and studied thoroughly and a week later, I got my first
commendation mail based on positive reviews by the client.
This to me is a good example of the Pygmalion effect. Though I never really thought much of it then,
studying about it in the course of this unit has brought it closer to home. This makes it very clear that there is
a direct relationship between expectations and results. A successful manager knows that when people are
challenged with responsibility and opportunity, they often times deliver good results. According to
Livingston:
“If he is skillful and has high expectations of his subordinates, their self confidence
will grow, their capabilities will develop and their productivity will be high. More often than
he realizes, the manager is Pygmalion” (1969)
This experience has formed a basis for my relationship with my subordinates. I now know the power of
positive reinforcement and motivation, mentorship and transfer of responsibility, delegation of powers, trust
and accountability.
X
Babaleye Ayodele Abidemi
HOT