High Expectations Deliver Positive Results

Expectations affect outcomes.

In his book Maximum Achievement, Brian Tracy refers to what he calls the "Law of Expectations." He recounts the story of an experiment by Dr. Robert Rosenthal who demonstrated that when we have high expectations of ourselves and others, which are then supported socially and structurally, a 'Pygmalion Effect' occurs in which these expectations become self-fulfilling and self-perpetuating.

This 'law' applies at the personal development level in our own lives, as well as at the organizational level in our business lives.

When we are encouraged to raise our expectations of what can be achieved, we take control of our destiny to a greater degree, and that invariably leads to high performance. This has been demonstrated to be the case even amongst people who have average intelligence and/or capacity.

Telling people clearly about the positive expectations we have for ourselves and others delivers on the bottom line in our business. It also creates a positive work culture in which we have fun and where excellence becomes the norm.

If you would like to read more about this phenomenon, visit Brian Tracy.