This example presents how easy it is to influence a result based on an initial belief, without ever realizing the result is being influenced by the belief.
Being that I am responsible for two individuals, Sue and Tina,
it may be that I perceive that Sue is more talented and capable
than Tina. Realize that I may or my not be consciously aware of
this belief. Because of this perceived talent of Sue relative
to Tina I tend to provide more support to Sue.
This support may be in terms of planning, coaching, etc. This
support of Sue enhances the success of
Sue, which simply serves to reinforce the perceived
talent of Sue relative to Tina. While this perception
influences me to provide enhanced levels of support of
Sue it influences me to provide less support
to Tina. This reduced support to Tina
hinders the success of Tina, which simply serves
to further enhance the perceived talent of Sue relative
to Tina.
This situation results in two reinforcing loops both driving the
system in the same direction, the success of Sue
relative to the success of Tina. And, isn't it
interesting how the situation turned out to prove that my initial
perception was in fact true!