Megan S. Cantrell

0000-0001-8511-4442

Exemplary Youth Leadership Series: Activities to Engage Youth With Practices of Exemplary Leaders

Megan S. Cantrell

This publication series is designed to outline strategies and experiences to expose youth to and engage them with leadership concepts. In this series, activities have been developed to introduce youth to Kouzes and Posner’s five practices of exemplary leaders. Each article in the series directly relates to one of the practices and the topics of values, vision, teamwork, trust, and gratitude. This new 3-page article, the first in the series, introduces each practice and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model.

Exemplary Youth Leadership Series: Model the Way

Megan S. Cantrell

This publication series is designed to outline strategies and experiences to expose youth to and engage them with leadership concepts. In this series, activities have been developed to introduce youth to Kouzes and Posner?s five practices of exemplary leaders. This new 2-page article allows students to engage with the first practice: modeling the way. Leaders must identify and exemplify values in order to be effective. The two outlined activities help students illustrate the idea of identifying values and modeling expectations.

Exemplary Youth Leadership Series: Inspire a Shared Vision

Megan S. Cantrell

In this publication, students will learn aspects of the second practice of exemplary leaders: inspiring a shared vision. Two low-cost, quick activities are included for implementation with youth and adults working with youth. These activities are best suited for students ages 10–18. However, modifications are included for each of the activities to allow for different group sizes, ages, and abilities of the youth involved.

Exemplary Youth Leadership Series: Challenge the Process

Megan S. Cantrell

In this publication, students will try on aspects of the third practice of exemplary leaders: challenging the process. Two quick, low-cost activities are included for implementation with youth and adults working with youth. These activities are best suited for students ages 10–18. However, modifications are included for each of the activities to allow for different group sizes, ages, and abilities of the youth involved.

Navigating the Unprecedented: Leading Remotely Unexpectedly

Matthew Sowcik yMegan S. Cantrell

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Navigating the Unprecedented: Working Remotely Unexpectedly

Megan S. Cantrell yMatthew Sowcik

Working from an alternative location can be a daunting adjustment when there is no time to prepare for the transition. Ensuring personal well-being and productivity through unexpected times takes a proactive partnership from both the employer/supervisor and employee.

Icebreakers for Adults

Taylor Nash, Taylor Nash, yMegan S. Cantrell

This document outlines strategies to use when building a team culture and gives examples of simple activities to build rapport within teams or groups.

Exemplary Youth Leadership Series: Enable Others to Act

Megan Stein

Exemplary Youth Leadership Series: Encourage the Heart

Megan Stein

In this publication, students will try on aspects of the final practice of exemplary leaders: encouraging the heart. Two quick, low-cost activities are included for implementation with youth and adults working with youth. These activities are best suited for students ages 10–18. However, modifications are included for each of the activities to allow for different group sizes, ages, and abilities of the youth participating.

Engaging Learners via Live Online Learning

Taylor Nash, Taylor Nash, yMegan S. Cantrell

The explosion of virtual training and education has created opportunities for interactions far beyond what is available in a face-to-face environment. However, easier access to individuals comes with unforeseen challenges in creating an environment that fosters genuine engagement. This new publication includes engagement strategies for the Extension environment as well as the virtual classroom of traditional education. Written by Taylor Nash and Megan Cantrell; 3 pp.

Generations at a Glance

Megan S. Cantrell

Generational differences are a topic that has been discussed for decades, and interest in it is increasing in the 2020s as people are finding jobs younger and retiring older than ever before in American history. Five generations, from Traditionalists through Generation Z, are engaged in the workforce as consumers, employers, and managers. This new 4-page publication, written by Megan S. Cantrell, provides an overview of the influences and notable qualities of these generations.

Social Norms for Behavior Change: A Synopsis

Laura A. Warner, Megan S. Cantrell, yJohn Diaz

The purpose of this document is to discuss some of the important distinctions and definitions associated with social norms, so Extension professionals and other types of nonformal education practitioners can improve the efficacy of their behavior change interventions. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication may be considered an advanced resource for those who are already familiar with basic principles of social norms. Written by Laura A. Warner, Megan S. Cantrell, and John M. Diaz.

Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory: Instrumentation and Application for Extension Professionals

Christy Chiarelli, Anne Parrish, Megan Cantrell, and Matt Benge

Conflict is inevitable in workplaces among people of all ages. Extension professionals have a unique position where in a single workday they may be engage with youth and volunteers, as well as colleagues and supervisors. Extension professionals may experience conflict with their stakeholders, volunteers, and supervisors; therefore, they must be able to understand conflict and conflict styles to navigate tense situations. The Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory (ROCI) is an instrument that can be used to understand one’s interpersonal conflict management style. By having a strong understanding of conflict components and for utilizing the ROCI tool, Extension professionals can manage conflict well and reduce the likelihood of dysfunctional conflict destroying relationships, teams, and organizations.

Recruiting and Retaining Generation Z in the Workforce

Megan S. Cantrell and Cathy H. Carr

The modern workforce is characterized by a diverse range of generations, with Generation Z emerging as a significant presence. This generation, born between 1997 and 2012, is marked by their having digital-native status, valuing diversity, and experiencing unique challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. To recruit Generation Z employees, consider reaching out to transfer students, explore non-traditional educational paths, and emphasize organizational values. Avoid age bias and focus on effective onboarding. For retaining Generation Z talent, offer opportunities for advancement, professional development, and personal connections. Prioritize employee well-being, including physical and mental health. In a world with labor shortages, adapting recruitment and retention strategies is crucial to harness the potential of Generation Z in the workforce.

Theory into Practice: An Overview of Historical Leadership Theories and Approaches

Megan S. Cantrell

The Theory into Practice series is designed to outline a chronological perspective of leadership theories and approaches. Each article will highlight a theoretical perspective or leadership approach, a scenario in which the theory or approach can be or has been used, as well as strengths and critiques of the theory. This first article defines leadership and briefly provides a chronological overview of the theories to be covered throughout this series. Written by Megan S. Cantrell, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2025.

Building a Professional Environment for Self-Awareness

Savannah Bailey yMegan S. Cantrell

Creating spaces that encourage self-awareness is essential for personal growth and for fostering a stronger, more effective team. This publication will explain how individuals can build a professional environment that facilitates self-awareness. These strategies can be used by a wide range of individuals, such as leaders and team members in the workplace, teachers in a classroom, and Extension professionals working with communities. Written by Savannah Bailey and Megan S. Cantrell, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, February 2026.