Call it blind faith if you like, but the rewards of believing that people are on their way to being first-class are enormous and backed by the research.
Since an influential study in American classrooms in the 1960s established the power of the self-fulfilling prophesy, there have been hundreds more. Our belief in their potential or ability can be a useful motivator for children and adults.
Where do you stand on motivation?
Do you relate to the 'boss-as-decision-maker, carrot and stick approach' or believe that real motivation comes from the employee and the job?
It's worth thinking about because an early theory of management seems to be having a resurgence of popularity and it highlights a real point of difference in the ways we motivate other people.