Expect more, get more

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Arthur J. Rooney Jr.
  • 82nd Training Wing commander
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  I occasionally hear people use the phrase, "What did you expect?"

This is usually just after the person has explained the failure of some project or task, goal or benchmark. The problem with "What did you expect?" is that it automatically pre-supposes a certain outcome, like the breakdown was imminent or some sort of divine fate.

I prefer to think, "What DO you expect?"

Thinking in the "do" realm is action; it is forward-looking. "Did" is past tense; the outcome is a forgone conclusion not worth trying to overcome.

When you expect to succeed, when you expect the best, when you are "excellent in all you do," you will find obstacles are merely bumps in the road that do little to change your course. This isn't a warm and fuzzy ideology. It is hard science.

In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Sharon Begley chronicled the newest research on the "expectation effect" or "Pygmalion effect." Simply put, scientists have proven time and time again the expectations we have of students, athletes, workers and even laboratory mice have a direct effect on their performance.

One study Ms. Begley cited is of particular importance to the Air Force. Elementary-school teachers were told one particular group of students scored high on an aptitude test and were identified as having attributes that would lead to great academic success.

After a few months, the group achieved "significant gains over the other students."

You can probably guess the punch line: There was no aptitude test!

In fact, the group of students teachers thought were extraordinary included children from every ability level. They were just like any ordinary classroom.

"The only difference was in the mind, and expectations, of the teacher," said Dr. Robert Rosenthal, one of the researchers in the study and professor of psychology at the University of California-Riverside.

The Journal reports 479 different studies have found teacher's expectations affect student performance. These expectations can be communicated overtly, or through nonverbal, often subconscious and unintentional cues.

When teachers expect students to excel, they unknowingly become partners in their success by teaching with warmth and excitement.

Test these theories yourself.

In your relationship with subordinates and peers, teach and lead to the highest level, not the lowest common denominator.

Expect more from yourself physically and mentally. Jog that extra mile. Read that extra page.

Believe in others and believe in your mission. Your attitude and expectations will show through your work whether you know it or not. Research proves it.