Nice managers who lower expectations create a Golem effect, causing engineers to underperform and stall their careers.
Nice managers often think kindness protects their team, but it can backfire. By consistently signaling low expectations, they trigger the Golem effect - a self-fulfilling prophecy where engineers internalize doubt and deliver less. The article shows how that subtle shift from ambition to complacency hurts both individuals and the organization.
The author recalls his 2015 stint at Yahoo, fresh into an engineering manager role. The calendar swapped "write design doc" for "staff sync" and "perf calibration." A newly hired engineer quickly revealed how the constant focus on performance reviews and headcount talks eroded confidence. The manager's well-meaning niceness turned into an unspoken message: "I don't expect you to push hard," and the engineer's output followed.
The takeaway is practical: managers must pair kindness with clear, high expectations. Give specific, outcome-focused feedback, celebrate stretch goals, and avoid vague praise that masks doubt. When engineers see that their leader believes in their ability to deliver, performance climbs and careers advance.
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