Introduction
Have you ever noticed how people perform better when someone truly believes in them? This is not just motivation — it’s a well-studied psychological phenomenon called the Pygmalion Effect (in Turkish: Pygmalion Etkisi, in French: Effet Pygmalion).
In today’s workplaces and teams, where collaboration tools like Atlassian Jira, Confluence, and Trello shape how people work together, understanding this effect can make a real difference in leadership and teamwork.
What is the Pygmalion Effect?
The Pygmalion Effect is the idea that expectations influence outcomes. When leaders, teachers, or colleagues expect more from someone, that person tends to perform better. Conversely, low expectations can lead to underperformance.
It is often described as a self-fulfilling prophecy: what you believe about others eventually becomes true through your actions and attitudes.
Origin of the Concept
The term comes from the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he created, which then came to life.
Scientifically, the effect was introduced by psychologists Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in 1968. In their famous study, they told teachers that some students were likely to show great progress that year. In reality, those students were randomly selected. However, because teachers gave them more attention and encouragement, they actually performed better.
Why the Pygmalion Effect Matters Today
1. In Education
Teachers’ expectations can lift or limit student achievement. Believing in students’ potential makes a measurable difference.
2. In the Workplace
Leaders who expect the best from their teams inspire higher performance, stronger motivation, and better collaboration.
3. In Modern Collaboration
In today’s digital-first world, where teams rely on tools like Atlassian Jira and Confluence, expectations are magnified.
- Managers who trust their teams delegate more effectively.
- Teams that believe in each other’s strengths share knowledge more openly.
- Positive expectations can reduce silos and increase transparency — key elements of agile and remote collaboration.
4. Personal Growth
Our own expectations shape our behavior. Setting high standards for ourselves often drives better results.
The Pygmalion Effect and Modern Collaboration
At Ponsatlas, we see the Pygmalion Effect as a critical element of modern teamwork. Whether through Atlassian solutions, agile practices, or leadership coaching, creating an environment of positive expectations is key to:
- Building trust,
- Enhancing communication,
- Improving performance across teams.
It’s not only about tools — it’s about mindset and culture.
Key Takeaways
- The Pygmalion Effect = High expectations → Higher performance.
- Origin: Rosenthal & Jacobson’s 1968 study.
- Applies to education, workplace, and personal growth.
- Strongly linked to modern collaboration and leadership.
FAQ (SEO Boost)
Q1: What is another name for the Pygmalion Effect?
It’s also known as the expectancy effect or self-fulfilling prophecy.
Q2: Why is the Pygmalion Effect important in leadership?
Because leaders’ expectations directly influence team performance, motivation, and collaboration.
Q3: How is the Pygmalion Effect used in modern collaboration?
By combining high expectations with tools like Jira and Confluence, leaders create transparent, agile, and trust-driven environments.
Conclusion
The Pygmalion Effect proves that expectations are powerful. In education, work, and life, what we believe about others can help them achieve more.
In the age of modern collaboration, where global teams work across digital platforms, expectations are not just beliefs — they are building blocks of performance.