Pygmalion in the Classroom · Robert Rosenthal

The Pygmalion effect examples

Curated by · reviewed 2026-05-31

People tend to rise or fall to the expectations placed on them. Believe in someone and you quietly change how you treat them — and how they perform.

What is the pygmalion effect? Read the full idea →

5 examples of the pygmalion effect

  1. The teacher's belief

    In the classic study, students randomly labelled 'high potential' improved, because teachers unconsciously taught them differently.

  2. The trusted new hire

    Treat a junior as capable and they grow into it; treat them as a risk and they stay small.

  3. The doubting coach

    A player a coach has written off gets fewer reps and less feedback, then 'proves' the low expectation right.

  4. The supportive parent

    Expecting a child to be honest and able tends to make them more so over time.

  5. The manager's hunch

    Once a boss tags someone a star, they get the stretch projects that make stars.

How to spot it in yourself

You'll forget most of this by next week.

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