Think about the person who trusted you with something before you were completely certain you could do it.

Their confidence probably changed how you approached the work.

Now think about what happens when a leader expects very little from someone. Fewer opportunities. Less meaningful feedback. Less patience. Less trust.

Eventually, performance may begin matching the expectation.

That is the Pygmalion Effect:

People often rise or fall toward the expectations placed on them.

Expectations are not communicated only through words. People notice who receives opportunities, attention, support, and second chances.

Leaders should be careful what they expect from people.

They may be helping create the result they later claim to have predicted.