CGK President Jason Dorsey was honored to keynote the prestigious ICMA Annual Conference, where he had the privilege of engaging with over 4,000 city and county managers from across the globe! This meeting brought together a diverse group of leaders representing multiple generations, geographic regions, and professional backgrounds, all united by their commitment to serving communities. Jason was deeply inspired by the remarkable work these leaders do every day to serve their communities.
At The Center for Generational Kinetics, we recognize the powerful role that generations play in shaping leadership dynamics, particularly within industries like public service. Jason’s reflections on the event highlight several key themes that underscore this generational impact, from the thoughtful customization of content to the attention to detail and, most notably, the presence of five different generations at the event! Reflecting on the event, three key aspects stood out to Jason and Team CGK as particularly memorable:
- Thoughtful Customization of Content
As Jason observed, one of the standout features of the ICMA Annual Meeting was its commitment to tailoring the event’s content to meet the diverse needs of attendees. This focus on customization speaks to a larger trend that we at The Center for Generational Kinetics consistently see across industries: the need to create experiences that resonate with a multi-generational audience.
Our research shows that each generation brings unique expectations, values, and communication styles to the table. Whether it’s Millennials seeking opportunities for career development or Baby Boomers looking for insights on legacy-building leadership, a one-size-fits-all approach may not be as effective as it once was. ICMA’s ability to thoughtfully curate content for attendees of all backgrounds exemplifies the type of generational understanding and intelligence that drives better outcomes and long-lasting engagement with the content shared beyond their event.
In fact, our research highlights the importance of understanding generational preferences when designing any large-scale event or workplace strategy. By doing so, organizations can ensure that they’re not only meeting the immediate needs of participants but also fostering long-term growth and collaboration among leaders from different generations.
- Incredible Attention to Detail
Another key takeaway from Jason’s experience was the extraordinary attention to detail that ICMA demonstrated throughout the event. From the stage design to the logistical management of thousands of attendees, every aspect was thoughtfully planned. This meticulous approach allowed for a seamless experience for participants, which in turn fostered greater engagement and connection.
Attention to detail is often cited as a hallmark of successful generational leadership, particularly in environments where multi-generational collaboration is key. At CGK, we’ve observed that environments designed with purpose and care—whether physical spaces, events, or organizational structures—tend to generate higher levels of trust and participation across all generations. This is especially true in a setting like ICMA’s, where leaders with vastly different backgrounds and experiences come together to share best practices and innovate.
Jason’s ability to move off the stage and interact with the audience directly during his keynote—made possible by the event’s fantastic production crew—also highlights the importance of breaking down barriers between speaker and audience. In our research, we’ve found that Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, value participatory experiences and prefer direct, meaningful engagement over traditional top-down communication.
- A Multi-Generational Audience
Perhaps the most striking aspect of ICMA’s Annual Meeting was the presence of five distinct generations of city and county managers. Leaders ranging from Gen Z to the Silent Generation were represented, each contributing their unique perspectives to the conversation. Jason’s keynote, which touched on the importance of intergenerational collaboration, echoed a key principle that The Center for Generational Kinetics has long championed: generational diversity strengthens organizations and communities alike.
CGK’s research consistently shows that intergenerational teams are more innovative, adaptable, and better positioned to solve complex problems. The combination of institutional knowledge from older generations and the fresh perspectives brought by younger leaders creates an environment perfect for creative problem-solving and forward-thinking leadership. ICMA’s recognition of this dynamic was evident in the way the event celebrated leaders of all ages, including those who have dedicated over 50 years to public service. This milestone not only honors the past but also serves as inspiration for future generations of leaders to continue making a positive impact on their communities!
Generational Leadership and the Future of Public Service
Jason Dorsey’s experience at the ICMA Annual Conference reinforces the critical role that generational understanding plays in today’s leadership landscape. As the public service sector continues to evolve, the ability to engage and collaborate across generational lines will be essential to building stronger, more resilient communities.
At The Center for Generational Kinetics, we remain committed to providing research, insights, and strategies that help leaders and organizations navigate these generational differences successfully. Whether in public service or any other industry, the future of leadership will be greatly dictated by leaders abilities to better communicate, influence, and build trust with every generation. We believe every generation is important, and every generation is valuable. By understanding and leveraging the unique strengths of each generation, we can make the world a better place. We are proud of Jason’s contribution to this important conversation and look forward to continuing to explore how generational leadership shapes the world around us.
