Stop assuming, start offering opportunity
This phenomenon isn’t magic. You can’t delude yourself into thinking that things are fine when they aren’t. The mere act of believing something doesn’t make it true. A self fulfilling prophecy only happens because your belief makes you treat the world differently. Then the world responds back to you in kind.
Therefore, if you start believing that your team member has the ability to lead something, you will treat them that way. You will demonstrate trust, and start to give them autonomy. This trust may even be rewarded with greater commitment, because your team member doesn’t want to let you down.
There are far too many assumptions made in our workplaces. Assumptions like “she wouldn’t want to do this” or “he’s not up to that”. Many leaders refuse to have a conversation with their team to understand their goals, desires and needs. Instead, they expect their team members to come forward and tell them this information. Unfortunately, not all workers are comfortable with their managers, so this may never happen!
Many leaders expect their team to step up instead asking them to. However, everybody is different. An introverted, quiet, introspective worker may be great for your next opportunity. But the chances are, they won’t run up to you and shout that in your face. It’s up to leaders to offer opportunity, rather than simply expecting alpha-dog employees to grab it.
Putting a stop to the negative self fulfilling prophecy
OK. It is *possible* that in the earlier example, Nick was actually out of his depth and not up to the job. Kelly may have been right. Nick is a loser and should be scorned, ridiculed and booted onto the street.
But how can you know for sure?
The only way to know is to offer support and believe in the people around you. If you set positive conditions for success, then you have the best chance. If there is still a problem, you have your answer. But don’t sabotage yourself by letting your existing held beliefs about someone cloud your judgment. You need to challenge your preconceptions so that you can set the right conditions for somebody to succeed.
Giving somebody an opportunity is not enough. You need to set them up for success by supporting them. Showing your support may help you to implement a positive self fulfilling prophecy. One that ends in a successful outcome.
Wouldn’t you rather say “I told you so” about someone succeeding than being a failure? Give someone a chance, and they may just surprise you.
Author: Ben Brearley
Leader, MBA, coach and former management consultant passionate about developing thoughtful, effective leaders. Find me at https://www.thoughtfulleader.com