The *Pygmalion* and *Golem* Effects in School and at Home.
*What is the Pygmalion Effect?* This is a theory which says that higher expectations lead to an increase in performance. For instance, if you have a boss who believes in your ability, praises and rewards you, your performance will keep going up and you will be motivated. This is also true of students. If their teachers believe they are brilliant and can learn anything, they tend to do better. Teachers' expectations shape their students' outcomes. Imagine how well students will do with a teacher who tells his or her students: *You are smart* *You can do it* *I like your brain* *You are intelligent* *You learn fast.* The opposite of the Pygmalion Effect is the Golem Effect, which also says that low expectations lead to a decrease in performance. Bosses who never believe in the ability of their workers will not only destroy their companies, but will also destroy the self-esteem and self-perception of their workers. It will not be long before the workers will begin to believe th...