LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2013-2015

SEMINAR REFLECTIVE SUMMARY

SEMINAR TOPIC:

Organizational Change and Generational Differences

PARTICIPANTS NAME: Chris Hainsworth

1. What were the significant learning points for you this seminar?
The key learning points covered in the Organizational Change and Generational
Differences seminar included:

Overview of the learning styles, beliefs, and attitudes of various generations:

Traditional or Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials.
Understanding strategies for interacting effectively with different generations

2. In what ways is each learning point supportive or relevant to your ideas of

leadership?
Educational leaders must have the ability to make reasonable and informed
decisions when dealing with all of our stakeholders. They also must have the tools
and techniques in order to effectively manage generational diversity in the classroom
or workplace. Currently, four generations coexist in our society; therefore, leaders
need the knowledge, insight, and skills to effectively train and work with a
generationally diverse workforce.

3. Identify a way to apply each of these learning points to your current role in the
College.
I interact with numerous internal and external stakeholders on a daily basis as a
Department Chair. I also have faculty representing all four generations on my
instructional team. It is very useful to have an understanding of generational
differences in order to be able to communicate and interact effectively with my team.
Understanding what each generation values helps me understand how they may

view situations differently from myself. They may be able to see an opportunity or a
threat in a situation that I cannot as a result of our generational differences. That
insight could prove valuable to our effectiveness as a team if I know to seek it out.