Response to Teenage Workforce

Below is the comment I received from Jeff Whiting who's main purpose in life is ensuring teenage workforce success. Jeff, I appreciate your response, I never imagined anyone would respond much less an expert in the field. My goal in posting the questionnaire of sorts was to get my students thinking about "big people things." I am afraid that most Christian teenagers today have fallen into a worldly mindset concerning work (as well as many other issues). I am a product of starting to work at a young age. I made $200 cutting grass at age 10 and have been doing something to earn money since. So you may be able to understand my frustration when students are lackadaisical in work ethic even if its in their school work. Here is Jeff's comment and I would like to comment following:

Hello Derrick,

My name is Jeff Whiting and I am the manager for WAVES for Teenage Workforce Success. I would like to take a stab at question # 1.

Its all based on “Maturity” which can vary widely with a young age group. Some 14 years olds seem to be quite a bit more squared away and work ready than an 18 year old! Some of that can be seen in the application and interview process, such as;
1. Is the application complete, legible and have relevant experiences. Even a 14 year old can demonstrate that they can work within a team environment by their volunteering, club, sports and church activities. Babysitting and/or yard work can demonstrate work ethic.
2. Do they have references from their jobs, clubs, etc. that you can follow up with. Also personal references. The young person that is able to and proactively provides this information is demonstrating real responsibility.
3. During the interview, ask open ended questions. Can they give you full sentence answers?
4. Do they make eye contact and smile? A very hard thing to teach and if they aren’t doing this during the interview don’t plan of them doing it after they are employed.
5. How did they dress? You are seeing their best at the interview... No matter how they look.
6. Were they early for the interview?

I would judge their maturity and mental capacity, not on their age but based on the above experience.

This is what we do. Help business and owners get a better understanding of the new management approach that is needed for engaging today's teens.

Hope this helps.

Jeff.

All of the above are values I feel were analogous of me and many of my friends when I was a teenager. I came to realize that even I was not the stereotype, I just thought I was. I thought everyone was just like me. What's interesting is how these principles for good work ethic are not only lacking in teenage workers but teenage Christians as well. I wonder what you think, why do today's teenage Christians seem to lack these qualities? Or do you even disagree?

Let me know!