LA County Librarian Skye Patrick sat down for an inspiring, encouraging conversation with Dr. David Yeager, the author of 10 To 25: The Science of Motivating Young People. Dr. Yeager discussed his research into the most effective ways to communicate with and motivate the young people in our lives, be they family, friends, or coworkers. Starting around age 10, the brain begins to crave socially rewarding experiences such as pride, admiration, and respect, and to become highly averse to social pain, such as humiliation or shame – and this carries on into their mid-twenties! Dr. Yeager’s research can teach us how to effectively tap into that craving by adopting a leadership style that’s attuned to young people’s need for status and respect – what he calls the “mentor mindset.” Young people in this age group are poised to learn, grow, and accomplish incredible things—if only we can tap into the basic neurobiological systems that drive their motivation and behavior.
