David Yeager, manager mentorship expert, discusses cultivating a mentor mindset, research on mentoring young people, applying growth mindset, and key tools for better mentorship. Topics include balancing toughness and compassion, empowering young individuals, challenges of leading young employees, transparency in feedback, and effective problem-solving approaches in mentorship.
Understanding the science and research behind mentoring young people can lead to effective mentorship strategies and support young talent growth.
Balancing high standards and support is essential in maximizing the potential of young professionals in the workplace.
Deep dives
Importance of Mentoring Young People
Mentoring young individuals in the workplace, particularly those aged 10 to 25, plays a crucial role in their development. Dr. David Yeager, an author and psychology professor, emphasizes the significance of understanding the science and research behind mentoring this age group. He shares insights on adopting a Mentor Mindset framework, focusing on providing support and setting high standards for young individuals. By implementing strategies like collaborative troubleshooting, mentors can inspire and motivate young people to contribute effectively and grow.
Challenges of Leading Young People in the Workplace
Managing young individuals in the workplace poses a unique challenge, where managers often prioritize individual performance over developing their team. The dilemma arises from balancing personal career goals with fostering the growth of young employees. Understanding the need for effective leadership that combines high standards and support is essential in maximizing the potential of young professionals. With a holistic approach, managers can guide young individuals through the complexities of organizational structures and help them navigate the path to success.
Understanding the Adolescent Perspective
Adolescents, particularly those in the 10 to 25 age range, undergo significant developmental transitions that impact their social and cognitive abilities. The adolescent brain is sensitized to social experiences, emphasizing the importance of status, respect, and social learning. Young individuals' reactions to feedback and mentorship are influenced by their neurobiological responses to social stimuli. Recognizing the vulnerability and hyper-awareness of adolescents in power dynamics is crucial for effective leadership and mentorship.
Effective Mentorship Strategies
Effective mentorship strategies involve surfacing and validating young people's thinking to bridge gaps in understanding and performance. The collaborative troubleshooting approach, advocated by Dr. Yeager, focuses on asking questions, acknowledging what has been done correctly, and guiding individuals to better solutions. By combining high standards with strong support, mentors can inspire confidence, resilience, and growth in young individuals. Transparent communication, curiosity, and planning play key roles in fostering successful mentorship relationships.
We all want to be great managers. But when it comes to actually working with and leading young people, there’s no clear strategy or playbook for success. Too often it feels like we’re having to decide between two extremes: enforce high standards and risk pushing our mentees away, or take a more gentle approach and withhold criticism, therefore missing out on critical learning moments. Often the end result can be intergenerational misunderstanding. How do we interact with young people so that they feel inspired, enthusiastic, and energized rather than disengaged, outraged, or overwhelmed?
In this episode of the Creative Confidence Podcast, we speak with David Yeager, author of The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation for Managers, Parents, and Educators. He shares how to cultivate a mentor mindset, the science and research on mentoring young people, applying a growth mindset to cultivate young talent, and key tools and strategies to employ for better mentorship.
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