My teacher in 2nd grade wrote the word “enthusiastic” on my report card. My parents beamed with pride. So I continued to be enthusiastic. Teachers continued to write the word on my report card. And my parents continued to beam.
Labels are a powerful influence.
Diagnosis Bias When a person gets labeled by someone they admire, respect, or value, they mold and shape their behaviors to fit that label. This phenomenon is called “diagnosis bias.” Essentially, once someone is diagnosed, their brain looks for evidence to confirm that diagnosis.
The label is so powerful that it literally causes that person to start acting out that label through their behavior and decisions. And once they start acting out a label, they perpetuate it as they continue to reinforce and reaffirm it with more behaviors and decisions. Essentially people confirm the diagnosis they are given through their own actions.
Parents Label Children. A mom says, “Sally is shy.” The more Sally hears that she is shy, the more she acts shy, which then confirms that Sally is, in fact, shy.
Bosses Label Employees. Jane has been identified as an “up-and-coming leader at the company.” Bob, however, has been told he might not be cut out for sales.
- The more Jane hears her label, the more Jane acts like an up-and-coming leader, which confirms for her and everyone else that Jane is, in fact, an up-and-coming leader.
- Bob’s diagnosis shapes his behavior, and his sales slip, which then confirms the diagnosis that he is, in fact, not cut out for sales.
Brand Your Labels Carefully When someone respects and admires us, we must apply labels carefully. When we brand that person with a label (ex: smart, dumb, strategic, ineffective, leader, follower), they will embrace the behaviors of that label and then mirror the expectations we have for them. Essentially, they adopt the characteristics of that label.
How can we use labels more vigilantly?
- Notice the labels you use for people – consider that your label may be perpetuating their behavior
- Select labels for people based on the behavior you want, not the behavior you see currently
- Employ empowering titles and nicknames for people (ex: Queen of People Success, King of Sales, Client Engagement Specialist, Product Guru, Leader of Leaders)
Pay attention to the labels you use and wield this superpower with diligence and intentionality.
