The Pygmalion Effect: How to Bring Out the Best in Others – and Yourself

Have you ever heard of the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion? Pygmalion was an artist who created a beautiful statue of a woman from ivory. He found it so perfect that he fell in love with it. His wish for the statue to come to life was so strong that the gods granted it – and the statue became a living being.

What might seem like a fairy tale is actually more than that. It beautifully illustrates what psychologists today call the Pygmalion Effect. Simply put: Your expectations of others can significantly influence their behavior. When you truly believe someone is capable of something great, the chances are much higher that they will live up to it. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy, and it works both for the good and the bad.

How Does the Pygmalion Effect Work? A Look at the Psychology Behind It

The Pygmalion Effect became famous through a fascinating experiment conducted by psychologists Rosenthal and Jacobson. They told teachers that a few randomly selected students had been secretly tested and were exceptionally intelligent.

What happened? By the end of the school year, these students had indeed improved – not because they were already smarter, but because the teachers expected them to be. The teachers unconsciously provided more support, gave them more trust, and praised them more. Their belief in the students’ potential made them better.

Where You Experience the Pygmalion Effect in Everyday Life

Once you start paying attention, you’ll notice this principle everywhere:

• At Work: Imagine having a boss who truly believes in you and your potential. They assign you challenging tasks, forgive your mistakes, and encourage your growth. This trust motivates you to do your best and improve. The opposite is the Golem Effect: If your boss doesn’t trust you, they micromanage you and give you boring tasks. You become insecure, make mistakes – and confirm their low expectations.

  
  

• In Families: Parents who tell their children, “I know you can do it!” significantly boost their child’s confidence and encourage positive development. On the other hand, constant worry and negative predictions can have the opposite effect.

  
  

• In Friendships: Your expectations also shape the dynamics of your relationships. If you believe your friend is reliable, you’ll treat them with trust and respect, which will likely encourage them to live up to that belief.

Why the Pygmalion Effect is Crucial for Your Self-Realization

The Pygmalion Effect shows us how deeply we influence one another – and how powerful these interactions can be. You can harness this knowledge to your advantage:

1. Become Aware of Your Power: Your expectations of others are more than just passing thoughts. They can either unlock someone's potential or hold them back. You get to choose every day how you view and treat those around you.

   
   

2. Check Your Own Biases: What assumptions have you made about others? What judgments have you unconsciously formed? Be honest with yourself and reconsider these beliefs – it might be time to give someone a second chance.

   
   

3. See the Potential, Not Just the Present State: Every person has the ability to grow and evolve. When you focus on what others could become, you give them the space to grow into that potential.

Conclusion: You Can See the World with New Eyes

The story of Pygmalion serves as a powerful reminder of how influential our thoughts are. Our beliefs about others are not passive; they actively shape our shared reality.

Pay attention today to how you approach the people around you. What expectations do you have? With your belief in their goodness, you can make a huge difference. Maybe you are the "Pygmalion" for someone else – and for yourself.

Myth of Pygmalion