As leaders, we’re often caught up in strategies, plans, and metrics. But what if I told you that one of the most influential tools at your disposal isn't a tool at all, but a belief? Yes, I’m talking about the belief you hold in your team.

You might be familiar with the term "Pygmalion Effect," which signifies the phenomenon where people embody the expectations placed upon them. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy but in the hands of a leader, it becomes a team-fulfilling prophecy. If we believe in our team's potential for greatness, we set the stage for them to achieve it.

Reflect for a moment. Do you genuinely believe in the greatness within each team member? Do you convey that belief not just through words, but through your actions and expectations? It’s not about assuming that everyone is perfect or without the need for growth. Instead, it’s about recognizing and nurturing the potential that each person brings to the table.

I challenge you today to ask yourself: What do I believe about my team? If you're skeptical about the innate greatness in people, I encourage you to reconsider that stance. When you start believing in your team’s abilities, a remarkable transformation begins. They start to believe in themselves, push boundaries, and collectively, everyone wins.

Remember, as a leader, your team’s performance often won’t exceed your belief in them. It's a powerful reminder that our beliefs shape our reality, and more importantly, the reality of those we lead.

Keep these thoughts in mind as you navigate the intricacies of remote or hybrid leadership. Embrace the potential that each team member holds, and you’ll be amazed at what your team can accomplish when you believe they can.

"Your team won't perform above your belief in them. Ask yourself this, 'What do I believe about my team?'" @KevinEikenberry

Click to Tweet

Unleashing Your Remarkable Potential

Our weekly newsletter will help you learn how to unleash your potential every week.

Want more articles like this?

Subscribe to any of our e-newsletters to get them delivered directly to your inbox.

Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

Share your thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}