Give and Take: Post #6--Bloomers

Bloomers and Bias   Harvard psychologist Robert Rosenthal identified 20% of children in a San Francisco school (kindergarten to fifth grade) whom he labeled as “intellectual bloomers.” However, such bloomers were randomly chosen and identified as intellectual bloomers to their teachers. The results: Bloomers outperformed their peers and showed gains after two years—all because teachers believed in them, crafting a self-fulfilling prophecy. Teachers became more supportive and encouraging of these bloomers. Apply the bloomers study to the workplace and watch productivity soar.