Generations at Work 007: Understanding the Emerging Generation (Part 1) with David Yeager
Apr 22, 2025
Dr. David Yeager, a researcher and author renowned for his insights on adolescent motivation, dives into the unique needs of the emerging workforce. He challenges the neurobiological incompetence model, emphasizing that young people prioritize status and respect. Yeager shares practical strategies for fostering authentic relationships and trust, arguing that good managers should coach rather than merely delegate. Additionally, he highlights the detrimental effects of nagging on young people's cognitive abilities, illustrating the importance of supportive communication.
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Selective Goal Direction In Youth
- Young people are not incapable of goal-directed thought; they deploy cognitive control selectively toward goals they value.
- Their priorities often differ from adults', which can look like incompetence but is a shift in motivation.
Status And Respect Drive Motivation
- Adolescents care intensely about status and respect as signals of social worth and contribution.
- Status and respect motivate them more strongly in adolescence than at other ages.
Treat Desire For Meaning As Legitimate
- Expect younger workers to want meaningful work and immediate signals of growth rather than tolerate poor conditions for decades.
- Treat their desire for meaning as legitimate, not entitlement.