these teams or individuals apart ? And most importantly , how can we learn from their successes and grow into our fullest potential ? The answer : expectations . Without high expectations , most of us would probably wallow in the realm of mediocrity . Be honest with yourself , when is the last time you examined your expectations , personally and professionally ? It is a crucial thing to do regularly - to revisit – and reset – what you know you are capable of accomplishing .
People should expect great things from themselves and others . Creating a culture of high expectations is a powerful way to achieve success . Here are a few ways to succeed in life by explicitly focusing on raising the bar of what is expected .
Expect Greatness from the Start
Back in 1963 , Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobsen conducted a research study in a classroom . Students were given a test to identify which students they believed were most likely to succeed academically . Teachers were given the results , which identified a small group of students with the highest academic potential : the “ growth spurters ,” as they were labeled . Those students went on to greatly outperform the other students in the class by the end of the school year .
It turns out , however , those kids were not “ growth spurters .” Those students were chosen randomly at the start of the study . They were no different than their peers ! The difference was in what the teachers expected out of these students . Teachers were able to elevate student performance by believing in these “ gifted ” kids and holding them to a higher standard .
This same concept can be applied in the workplace . If a culture of outstanding performance is expected of all members , employees will rise to the occasion . Managers and employees need to believe in themselves as well as their co-workers . When excellence is expected from the start , people will consistently maintain that performance .
If a culture of outstanding performance is expected of all members , employees will rise to the occasion . To promote ongoing high performance , encourage success
Celebrate the Small Victories
To promote ongoing high performance , encourage success . Recognize it ! If a worker nails a task , compliment them . A “ Good job !” or “ Thanks for your effort !” can do wonders . People want to know that they are on track and that they are meeting expectations . They want to know that their effort and good work is being acknowledged . People want to feel seen . Those workers are going to keep on performing well so they don ’ t let you – or themselves – down .