Before I married my husband, I was on a bowling team with my workmates. Whenever Jeff entered the bowling center, I would start making strikes. One after another, to everyone's amazement. One woman on the opposing team actually got angry. I thought it was hysterical. Not only would my father have been proud of me after the years he took me bowling with him, but I then knew Jeff was the guy for me.
What a beautiful story - that's how you met your husband? It was just the presence effect that brought about that special moment, wasn't it? Hahaha, what a funny story.
We had already been dating for awhile, but indeed, it was the Presence Effect that created that success at bowling. I haven't been able to bowl that well since. It does help when I'm practicing piano and he's in the house. I know he's listening and he's told me he likes it, so I am calmer when making mistakes that usually would throw me into a violent tantrum. I have a furious temper, especially as age takes away my physical agility. That bowling story was funny, though.
Interesting. Makes me wonder if this affected 100% of the test subjects. EVERY kid winding the reel. EVERY biker in the race. I only ask because I'm curious if extroverts would be affected differently than introverts.
Wow Lissa! That question you ask about introverts and extroverts is very interesting. I actually have no idea if there are differences. I suppose there must be, that introverts are even more affected by the presence effect than extroverts, although I don't know about that for sure.
Good reflection, you have left me wanting to read more about this effect :)
This essay means a lot to me and clarifies much of what I have experienced. It may even help me in future responses to situations that perplex me. Gracias!
The presence effect is a very silent effect. In fact, it is usually an unconscious response we have when we know we are being watched. It alters our performance and sometimes we don't even know why.
Now you have the answer. I hope it will help you for future evaluations, meetings and assignments. Your presence also affects others, keep it in mind :)
Thanks for such a nice post and reflections! I find it very important to keep this in mind when working in/with groups. What can we do to reduce the presence effect that could impact the whole group or individuals negatively (for instance, to avoid making them feel judged)? What can we do to increase this effect in a positive way (boost performance)?
To reduce the presence effect you can socialize with those people. Presence is very powerful when the person is unknown and some kind of authority is attributed to him/her. If you manage to familiarize yourself with the person you are observing, the effect is greatly reduced.
For it to have a positive effect, you just have to let them know that you trust their abilities and convey confidence. This increases people's performance; it is called the Pygmalion effect.
In short, be close to the person, make him perceive you as an ally and that you trust his abilities.
Before I married my husband, I was on a bowling team with my workmates. Whenever Jeff entered the bowling center, I would start making strikes. One after another, to everyone's amazement. One woman on the opposing team actually got angry. I thought it was hysterical. Not only would my father have been proud of me after the years he took me bowling with him, but I then knew Jeff was the guy for me.
Wow Sue! :)
What a beautiful story - that's how you met your husband? It was just the presence effect that brought about that special moment, wasn't it? Hahaha, what a funny story.
We had already been dating for awhile, but indeed, it was the Presence Effect that created that success at bowling. I haven't been able to bowl that well since. It does help when I'm practicing piano and he's in the house. I know he's listening and he's told me he likes it, so I am calmer when making mistakes that usually would throw me into a violent tantrum. I have a furious temper, especially as age takes away my physical agility. That bowling story was funny, though.
What a beautiful story. You know that person is the right one when his or her presence brings you calm and boosts your performance :)
Interesting. Makes me wonder if this affected 100% of the test subjects. EVERY kid winding the reel. EVERY biker in the race. I only ask because I'm curious if extroverts would be affected differently than introverts.
Wow Lissa! That question you ask about introverts and extroverts is very interesting. I actually have no idea if there are differences. I suppose there must be, that introverts are even more affected by the presence effect than extroverts, although I don't know about that for sure.
Good reflection, you have left me wanting to read more about this effect :)
This essay means a lot to me and clarifies much of what I have experienced. It may even help me in future responses to situations that perplex me. Gracias!
Hi Oma! :)
The presence effect is a very silent effect. In fact, it is usually an unconscious response we have when we know we are being watched. It alters our performance and sometimes we don't even know why.
Now you have the answer. I hope it will help you for future evaluations, meetings and assignments. Your presence also affects others, keep it in mind :)
Thanks for such a nice post and reflections! I find it very important to keep this in mind when working in/with groups. What can we do to reduce the presence effect that could impact the whole group or individuals negatively (for instance, to avoid making them feel judged)? What can we do to increase this effect in a positive way (boost performance)?
Hello! :)
Your question is really interesting.
To reduce the presence effect you can socialize with those people. Presence is very powerful when the person is unknown and some kind of authority is attributed to him/her. If you manage to familiarize yourself with the person you are observing, the effect is greatly reduced.
For it to have a positive effect, you just have to let them know that you trust their abilities and convey confidence. This increases people's performance; it is called the Pygmalion effect.
In short, be close to the person, make him perceive you as an ally and that you trust his abilities.