It's almost Christmas, and that means it's time for the great classic movies. Maybe this year you'll be watching Lord of the Rings, where Gollum sacrifices everything for a ring with his “my precious”. His obsession limits him, makes him vulnerable and keeps him trapped in his own world. In the world of sports we have a similar dynamic: the Golem effect and the Pygmalion effect.
Expectations are powerful. It Pygmalion effect shows that high expectations stimulate growth, while the Golem effect shows how low expectations inhibit performance. This is visible in many sports clubs: first teams get the best trainers, sponsor clothing and plenty of material, while lower teams have to make do with less attention, fewer training hours and less experienced trainers. The signal is clear: “Not much is expected of you.”
The impact of expectations
Low expectations work like a vicious circle. A team that receives fewer resources and attention often underperforms. This lower performance confirms expectations and seemingly justifies the difference in resources. But the Golem effect goes beyond performance: it also undermines motivation, engagement and ultimately the culture of a club.
On the other hand, there is the Pygmalion effect. When a team or player feels that they are believed in, that trust translates into better effort, more self-confidence and often increased performance. The difference between these two effects is huge – and it is in your hands as a trainer, coach or club manager to make the difference.
How do you break the circle?
The Golem Effect can keep teams in the shadows, but it doesn’t have to. Here are three steps to creating a culture of growth and equality:
- Invest in all teams
Equal resources show that every team matters. This does not mean that every team gets exactly the same, but that every team gets what it needs to develop optimally. It is not about exact equality, but about equal appreciation and fair chances. - Identify growth and potential
Expectations drive behavior. Show players and teams that you believe in them by actively naming their growth. Provide positive feedback and focus on what is going better. By setting achievable goals and challenging teams, you create a sense of pride and ownership. - Build a culture of equality
The distribution of resources and attention within a club is often a reflection of the values that the club exudes. By consciously working on connection between teams, you ensure a strong, inclusive culture in which everyone feels valued.
A vision where everyone counts
Just as Gollum was trapped in his obsession, clubs can be trapped in a culture where only one team seems important. But real power isn’t in a ring or in one “precious” team. It’s in a vision where every team has the opportunity to grow, thrive and feel valued.
What step is your club taking today to make all teams shine?
