The Power of Kindness, Connection, and the Pygmalion Effect: Unlocking Divergent Thinking
DR. CHRISTOPHER S. CULVERGreetings, kind readers—
If you’ve been following along, you know that I’m passionate about kindness, connection, and the importance of nurturing strong relationships. At the heart of it all, I believe in fostering environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and supported. But what if I told you that these core beliefs not only enhance personal well-being but also have a profound effect on intellectual and creative growth? What if leading with kindness and fostering genuine connections could unlock the potential for greater divergent thinking and lead to the actualization of the Pygmalion effect?
Before diving deeper, let’s quickly create a basic understanding of two concepts: divergent thinking and the Pygmalion effect.
Divergent thinking refers to the ability to generate creative ideas by exploring multiple possible solutions to a problem. It’s the type of thinking that challenges norms, encourages innovation, and allows individuals to see beyond traditional boundaries. This is what we need more of in our schools, workplaces, and communities.
The Pygmalion effect, also known as the Rosenthal effect, is a psychological phenomenon in which higher expectations lead to improved performance. When individuals are expected to succeed, they often rise to meet those expectations. Conversely, when expectations are low, performance tends to reflect those low expectations. This also has to do with our preconceived notions and pre-judgements of people, too.
Now, how do these connect to our core beliefs of kindness, human connection, emotional well-being, and leadership? The answer lies in the environment we create and the power of relationships.
Kindness and the Pygmalion Effect
The Pygmalion effect is all about the impact of belief—when we believe in others, they are more likely to live up to those expectations. Kindness plays a significant role in this. When we treat people with empathy, respect, and kindness, we communicate that we see their worth, potential, and value. In essence, we are setting high expectations for their success—not in a demanding or controlling way, but in a way that empowers and uplifts.
It also encourages us to drop our prejudgements of people or situations. It encourages us to operate with high expectations and always assume positive intent. Ask questions and seek to understand rather than forming a judgement of someone or something.
Consider this: In classrooms or workplaces where kindness is a core value, individuals are more likely to feel supported and encouraged. When teachers, leaders, or peers treat students or colleagues with kindness, it signals that they believe in their abilities. This belief fosters a sense of self-worth, which directly correlates to the Pygmalion effect. When we show someone that we believe they are capable, they start to believe it themselves.
This is why kindness isn’t just a feel-good strategy—it’s an essential component of leadership and development. It’s foundational to creating an environment where people feel empowered to grow and succeed.
Connection and Divergent Thinking
Human connection is at the heart of creative and intellectual growth. When individuals feel connected—whether to their peers, leaders, or broader community—they feel safe enough to express their ideas freely. This sense of belonging and safety is crucial for divergent thinking, which thrives in environments that encourage exploration, risk-taking, and creativity.
Why? Because connection fosters trust. When people trust that they won’t be judged, dismissed, or ridiculed, they are more likely to think outside the box and offer unconventional ideas. Divergent thinking requires vulnerability; it requires individuals to step outside their comfort zones and propose solutions that may seem far-fetched or unconventional. Without connection and trust, the fear of judgment can stifle this type of thinking.
In classrooms, workplaces, and communities where people feel connected, you’ll see greater levels of collaboration and creativity. People feel free to share their ideas because they know they are supported and valued.
We are naturally wired, as humans, to want to belong. When we create the space that everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and respected, they are more likely to be innovative and to take risks. If not, they are more likely feeling unsafe and rooted in a fight-flight mode or even in high levels of distress which releases too much cortisol into our body.
Emotional Well-Being and Divergent Thinking
Let’s go back to the role of emotional well-being. We know that when people feel safe, valued, and supported, they are more likely to perform at their best. But beyond performance, emotional well-being also boosts creativity. When individuals are free from stress and fear, their brains are better able to engage in divergent thinking.
Research shows that high levels of cortisol—our body’s primary stress hormone—impede creative thinking and problem-solving. On the flip side, environments that foster emotional safety and connection increase levels of oxytocin (the "love hormone") and serotonin (the "feel-good hormone"), which are both crucial for enhancing creativity, collaboration, and learning.
When students or employees feel emotionally supported, their brains shift from survival mode to growth mode. This shift allows for more openness, flexibility, and creativity—all key components of divergent thinking.
Leadership, Kindness, and the Pygmalion Effect
Effective leadership isn’t just about directing tasks; it’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Leaders who prioritize kindness, connection, and trust foster an environment where the Pygmalion effect can take root. By setting high expectations and leading with kindness, leaders inspire those around them to rise to the occasion.
Think about how a kind word, a gesture of support, or a smile can change someone’s day. Now think about the compounded impact of consistently creating an environment rooted in these principles. When people are treated with kindness, their stress levels decrease, their creativity increases, and their overall performance improves. They begin to believe in themselves because someone else believes in them.
This is how the Pygmalion effect works in practice: By leading with kindness and connection, leaders create a ripple effect of self-belief and growth in those they lead. This growth is not only reflected in performance but also in the way individuals think and approach problems.
Practical Steps to Lead with Kindness, Foster Divergent Thinking, and Embrace the Pygmalion Effect
Here are eight actionable steps you can take to incorporate these core beliefs into your leadership and teaching practices:
Set Positive Expectations: Believe in the potential of those you lead, whether students, employees, or peers. Let them know you see their potential and expect great things from them.
Foster an Environment of Psychological Safety: Create spaces where individuals feel safe to share their ideas without fear of judgment or failure. Encourage open dialogue and respect for all perspectives.
Lead with Empathy: Take the time to understand where people are coming from. When you lead with empathy, you build trust and connection, which opens the door to greater creativity and collaboration.
Encourage Risk-Taking: Let your team know that it’s okay to fail. Failure is often a stepping stone to success and innovation. When people know they won’t be penalized for thinking outside the box, they are more likely to engage in divergent thinking.
Recognize and Celebrate Efforts: Whether someone succeeds or falls short, recognize their effort. This reinforces the idea that trying and thinking creatively are valuable, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.
Practice Kindness Daily: Small acts of kindness, like a smile or a word of encouragement, go a long way in building trust and connection. Consistently practicing kindness helps create a culture where people feel valued.
Model Growth Mindset: Demonstrate that you are also learning and growing. When people see that you are open to learning and making mistakes, they feel more comfortable doing the same.
Invest in Relationships: Take the time to build genuine relationships with those around you. The stronger the connection, the more likely individuals will feel empowered to share their ideas and engage fully.
Conclusion: The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Connection
Kindness, connection, and emotional well-being are more than just feel-good principles. They are foundational to fostering divergent thinking, enhancing creativity, and unlocking the Pygmalion effect. By believing in others, leading with kindness, and creating environments where people feel safe and supported, we can inspire the best in others and ourselves.
The beauty of leading with these values is that it creates a ripple effect. When one person feels seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to extend that kindness and belief to others. In classrooms, workplaces, and communities, this ripple effect can transform not only individual lives but also entire cultures.
So, as we move forward, let’s commit to fostering environments of kindness, connection, and growth. By doing so, we unlock the potential for creativity, innovation, and excellence in everyone around us.
Always remember to smile. Thank you for being a light in this world and for spreading kindness wherever you go. I am grateful for you.
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