Are you familiar with the story of Pygmalion? If you are, great - you can read about it again! But if you’re not, read on…

In Greek mythology, there was once a sculptor named Pygmalion. Some say he was also a king. He carved a statue of a beautiful girl, and so realistic was his creation that he fell deeply in love with the statue.

He would proclaim his love to her every day. One day, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, while flying over his home, heard his cries of love and being a Goddess of a lovely nature, drew an arrow from her quiver, fired it from her bow, and brought the statue to life! She named the girl Galatea, and the sculptor married her, and they both lived happily ever after.

Now isn’t that an amazing love story? Psychologists today have named that influence the Pygmalion effect. Most people have an influence on others and on themselves by communicating either positive or negative expectations.

And more often than not, people do what is expected of them, and the power of expectation alone can influence the behaviour or the performance of self and others.

We behave as we see ourselves or others.

A first rate manager (or parent, or leader) needs to reflect on our role as Pygmalion, in other words:

• Are we positive or negative?
• Do we put people down or appraise them?
• Do we value others and ourselves or do we devalue people?
• What are the expectations that are being expressed in our family or organisation?
• Do you encourage growth and achievement or are you for mediocrity?
• Think of a positive Pygmalion in our lives – how did s/he make us feel?
• Think of a negative Pygmalion in our lives – how did we respond to that person?

So just be more mindful of your self-talk or when talking to others. Be a positive influence, not a negative influence. Be empowering and uplifting and expect the best both from yourself and others.

Model the role, don’t just talk about it, but live it daily and show to others just how much more you expect of them, and of yourself! Walk your talk!

Stretch yourself towards the pathway of being self-empowered.

To your success!

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