Mental Models Daily
Explore
Menu

No. 117 · People · Human Nature and Judgement

Golem Effect

Low expectations can drag people down to meet them.

The Golem Effect describes how low expectations can drag performance down. When we expect little from someone, we tend to offer less challenge, attention and trust, and their results often fall to match our prediction.

To counter it, check whether everyone gets the same opportunities and feedback, avoid fixed labels with children and colleagues, and give people fresh chances to prove themselves. That includes yourself.

In the Almanac

“Blue eyes, brown eyes”, 1968 · “Adobe”, 2012

Both stories in full, three ways to use it and where it misleads.

Get the Almanac

Listen · Watch

Golem Effect

Questions

What is Golem Effect?

The Golem Effect describes how low expectations can drag performance down. When we expect little from someone, we tend to offer less challenge, attention and trust, and their results often fall to match our prediction.

How do you use Golem Effect?

To counter it, check whether everyone gets the same opportunities and feedback, avoid fixed labels with children and colleagues, and give people fresh chances to prove themselves. That includes yourself.

When does Golem Effect matter?

Golem Effect is one of the 60 mental models for people, the situations where you ask: Why do people act as they do, and how do I work with them? Within that, it belongs to “Leading people”, alongside Carrot and Stick, Distributive Justice vs Procedural Justice and Managing to the Person.

What is an example of Golem Effect?

Two stories show it at work: Blue eyes, brown eyes (1968) and Adobe (2012). Both are told in full in The Mental Models Daily Almanac, which has two stories for each of its 365 models.

Which mental models are related to Golem Effect?

Pygmalion Effect, Horn Effect and Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset. Golem Effect itself comes from human nature and judgement.