In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. David S. Yeager, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, to explore the cutting-edge research behind his book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier. Dr. Yeager, who has collaborated with notable psychologists like Carol Dweck and Angela Duckworth, offers an in-depth look at how adults can inspire and lead adolescents through their most formative years with ease and effectiveness.
Drawing from his extensive research on adolescence, Dr. Yeager explores the critical developmental stage from ages 10 to 25, where the brain is especially sensitive to social status and respect. He introduces the concept of the “mentor mindset,” explaining how adults can effectively communicate with and guide young people by recognizing their unique needs for social connection, support, and growth.
Listeners will uncover the profound impact of adopting a growth mindset—an approach that empowers young people to see challenges as opportunities for development, rather than barriers to success. Dr. David S. Yeager also delves into the rise of mental health challenges in adolescents, highlighting the powerful role adults play in shaping environments that foster resilience, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
This episode not only offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and mentors but also provides actionable takeaways for anyone invested in nurturing the potential of the next generation. By understanding the science behind motivation and creating supportive contexts, we can unlock a brighter future for young people everywhere.
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“Mentorship isn’t just about guiding someone on a path; it’s about helping them discover their own path, their own potential, and giving them the confidence to walk it.”
DAVID S. YEAGER
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Unlocking Potential: David S. Yeager on Creating the Mentor Mindset
In this episode of Passion Struck, Dr. David S. Yeager discusses the concept of a mentor mindset and its importance in guiding and motivating young people. He delves into the impact of different leadership styles, such as the enforcer and protector mindsets, on creating a growth mindset culture. Through real-life examples like Steph Okamoto’s experience at Microsoft, Dr. Yeager highlights the significance of fostering a supportive and high-standard mentor mindset to empower individuals and drive positive outcomes.
This discussion offers a deep dive into practical approaches for mentors and educators looking to make a lasting impact. David’s expertise illuminates how understanding the science behind motivation and mindset can lead to powerful changes in how we inspire and guide the next generation.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Enforcer and Protector Mindsets: Dr. David S. Yeager explains how these mindsets can hinder the development of a growth mindset culture.
- Mentor Mindset: The importance of adopting a mentor mindset that combines high standards with strong support to cultivate a growth mindset environment.
- Impact of Leadership Styles: Real-life examples, like Steph Okamoto’s experience, showcase the effects of different leadership approaches on organizational culture.
- Rank and Yank Policy: The drawbacks of policies like Rank and Yank in fostering a positive work environment and employee growth.
WHY IS THIS A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is essential for anyone involved in mentoring, teaching, or guiding young individuals. David S. Yeager’s expertise provides a research-backed perspective on how to effectively inspire and motivate. By listening, you’ll gain valuable tools and strategies to enhance your impact as a mentor or educator, ultimately helping to unlock the full potential of those you support.
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Mentorship and Leadership Evolution: New Paths to Success and Innovation
During the fascinating conversation on the Passion Struck podcast, Dr. David S. Yeager shed light on some of the key figures and concepts related to leadership and management. One of the prominent figures discussed was Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric (GE) known for his management philosophy called “Rank and Yank.” This policy involved ranking employees every six months or a year and either rewarding the top performers or firing the bottom performers. This approach, popularized during the Jack Welch era, aimed to create a meritocratic system but often led to a competitive and high-pressure work environment.
Steph Okamoto, a seasoned manager at Microsoft, was highlighted as an example of someone who experienced the toxic culture prevalent during the Balmer era at Microsoft. Steph encountered the “flipping tables” culture and the influence of the Rank and Yank philosophy, which created a challenging and stressful work environment. Despite the pressures, Steph excelled as a manager and eventually transitioned to a new role at ServiceNow, where she continues to excel in Manager Excellence.
The discussion also touched upon Microsoft’s transformation under the leadership of Satya Nadella, who initiated a significant turnaround in the company’s culture. Satya Nadella’s approach focused on fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment, moving away from the aggressive and intimidating tactics of the past. This shift in leadership style contributed to a more positive and collaborative atmosphere at Microsoft.
Dr. David S. Yeager’s insights on the impact of different leadership styles, as discussed in his book “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People,” provide valuable perspectives on the importance of creating a mentor mindset in leadership. By emphasizing high standards and strong support, leaders can cultivate a growth mindset culture that empowers individuals to thrive and succeed in their endeavors.
THANKS, David S. Yeager
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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH DAVID S. YEAGER
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- Dr. David S- Yeager’s Publications Website
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- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
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About Today’s Guest, David S. Yeager
David S. Yeager is a distinguished psychologist and acclaimed researcher, renowned for his groundbreaking work in motivation, resilience, and adolescent development. As a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Yeager’s research explores how individuals’ mindsets and beliefs shape their academic and personal success. His innovative studies have significantly impacted educational practices and mentorship strategies, emphasizing the power of a growth mindset in overcoming challenges and fostering potential.
Yeager’s expertise extends to advising and guiding educational institutions and organizations in cultivating environments that inspire and support the next generation. His influential book, “How to Change Minds: The Science of Persuasion and Influence,” further underscores his commitment to advancing understanding and application of psychological principles for transformative change.
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