Leadership Across Different Personalities —
Stories From the Field
By Jan Bush
Business Manager
Murphysboro CUSD 186
Melissa Morgese
Assistant Superintendent of Business
Addison SD 4
Adam Parisi, Ed.S.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance/CSBO
DuPage School District 45
Mike Vargas
Business Manager
Marquardt SD 15
In today’s multigenerational workplace, effective leadership requires more than just technical expertise or operational know-how—it requires understanding. Understanding how people work, how they prefer to communicate and what motivates them. School business officials sit at the intersection of operations, strategy and human interaction, making it essential to adapt leadership styles to meet the needs of a diverse team. Four practitioners explore how their unique Life Orientations (LIFO®) shape their leadership and highlight the importance of communication, empathy and understanding across generations.