You’ve probably heard of Felix Baumgartner, the daredevil who travels the world parachuting from buildings, statues and cliffs. The August 2010 issue of Outside Magazine featured a story about his next stunt: a supersonic fall from 120,000 feet above the earth. During the jump he will reach speeds of 690 miles per hour on his way to Mach 1.2. As he reaches the sound barrier, there is a risk of shock waves breaking him apart. Such a stunt demonstrates a brand of courage that teeters on the edge of insanity.

We need to possess the same measure of courage when we seek to connect with teens. What would happen if we entered the teen atmosphere with Baumgartner-like abandon? What if we entered with no agenda but to ask good questions, let them speak from their perspective, and listen with absolute regard? I wanted to find out. This is what motivated me to create The 6Teens Project.

I am excited to tell you more about this resource, which I referenced in last month’s newsletter. The mission is simple: Engage a small group of teens in a conversation about how adults can connect with them, film their responses, and create an ever-expanding online trove of videos for adults seeking a fresh perspective into the lives of teens.

Last spring I facilitated the inaugural 6Teens groups, comprised of Oregon high school students. The responses were stunning. The conversation began with a Latina student sharing about her father and how he overcame significant obstacles, such as the murder of his own father, to provide a good life for her. You can watch her response, entitled “Heroic Father.”

This student’s transparency inspired other students to share. Teens talked about how they can identify when adults are truly listening. They voiced their desire for a more relevant learning process that incorporates dialogue and discussion.

Certain common themes emerge from this first batch of videos: Teens would like adults to relate to them with the same regard we extend to people we respect. Throughout our time together students identified by name the adults in their lives who were exemplary. These adults had earned the trust of teens. The 6Teens Project offers insight into just why teens find certain adults  to be trustworthy, and a positive influence in their lives.

We can and should have the courage to enter the complex, oft-times frustrating, world of teens. You, like me, will not do so with the flourish of Felix Baumgartner. Your stunt will not be on TV and you will not receive a hefty Red Bull sponsorship. What’s important is that your stunt will register with teens. They will recognize and respect your courage and the abandon with which you seek to truly relate with them. The 6Teens Project can help provide clues as to how we can do this well.

It’s simple and free to access The 6Teens Project videos:

1. Watch – Videos are available on the People Change People website, YouTube and Vimeo .

2. Subscribe – Receive new episodes as we post them. (Just click Subscribe on YouTube or Vimeo.)

3. Participate – Share this resource with others and let me know how it has informed your work.

In response to The 6Teens Project I have enhanced my training workshops to incorporate not only cutting-edge brain development research but also insights from teens themselves into how to build meaningful, lasting connections with them, as expressed in 6Teens discussions.  If you are interested in learning more about these workshops send me an email.