In his insightful article, “316. Your Underperforming Employee Isn’t Failing, You Are,” leadership coach Jeff Matlow delves into the profound impact of managerial expectations on employee performance. Drawing inspiration from the ancient myth of Pygmalion and the 1968 Rosenthal-Jacobson study, Matlow illustrates how the Pygmalion Effect—a psychological phenomenon where higher expectations lead to improved performance—plays a pivotal role in the workplace.

Matlow outlines a four-phase cycle demonstrating how a manager’s initial impressions can influence their behavior towards an employee, subsequently affecting the employee’s self-perception and actions. This cycle often culminates in a self-fulfilling prophecy, where underperformance is not solely a reflection of an employee’s capabilities but also a consequence of the manager’s perceptions and behaviors.

By challenging leaders to introspect and adjust their perceptions, Matlow emphasizes the importance of equitable treatment and belief in every team member’s potential. His article serves as a compelling reminder that effective leadership involves nurturing growth through positive expectations and supportive engagement.

Read the full article here: 316. Your Underperforming Employee Isn’t Failing, You Are

linkedin.com

316. Your Underperforming Employee Isn't Failing, You Are.

In Greek mythology, there was this crotchety man named Pygmalion. I’ve always pictured him as a cross between Ebenezer Scrooge and Michelangelo, but in a toga.