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O.D. Institute Newsletter |
July 2005 |
Comments on OD by Participants at the 35th
Annual Information Exchange in Chicago
Terry Armstrong, RODC
odtrainer@aol.com
During the 35th Annual Information Exchange meeting in Chicago
there was a great deal of discussion about the future of OD.
At one level this is nothing new. ODers have been discussing
the future of OD and whether it is dead or not for about as
long as I can remember. In fact a lot of people including
me are getting tired of discussing the issue, but obviously
many more feel it is vital. Some believe that the field
has become so fragmented that there is little hope of resolving
the differences while others dream of a strong future community
filled with diversity and recognition of the role that the OD
Institute has played. Some want certification requirements
with an enforceable code of ethics while others prefer a lose
association of practitioners that is driven by creativity and
exploration rather than standards of performance and certification.
Michael Simpson, along with others, believes that OD as a field
has lost its brand and urged us as a field to begin re-developing
the O.D. brand.
A few testimonials provide a sense of what participants were
hoping for and desire. They also demonstrate the diversity
of thought presented at the conference.
- It's still refreshing
to hear what is new in O.D.
- I am glad this organization
is still struggling with turning O.D. into a profession.
- The conference was
a meaningful way to connect with people as a community.
- It was great discussing
the future identity of O.D. so that as practitioners we
can not only enjoy satisfying careers but can also live
our O.D. values.
- It is most encouraging
to know that O.D. professionals have the integrity and confidence
to ask fundamental questions regarding practice.
- After 20 years I still
find the Information Exchange the most interesting conference
I attend.
- An opportunity to
gather and support fellow colleagues in community building.
- An excellent opportunity
to share experiences and learn about the O.D. field.
For a person new to the field it was a good jumpstart.
- The diversity of the
topics is one of the things that drew me to my third O.D.
Information Exchange. I appreciate the informal tone
and opportunity to interact with colleagues in the excellent
give and take of the discussions following each presentation.
- Everyone in O.D. and
H.R. should attend at least one Information Exchange or
a World Congress and compare it to other conferences they
attend. It's a learning and growth experience.
It presents a novel format that lends itself to creativity.
- The conference expanded
and updated my knowledge of Organization Development.
Participants
had personal wants as well. These also included a diversity
of topics. To the question: “As an O.D. Professional I
want:” they provide further insights.
- A place to learn,
grow, share and meet others was commented on by 5 people
- Hope for the future
of the O.D. Community
- Recognition of that
the O.D. Institute has done
- A place to exchange
ideas
- Want a certification
program and a code of ethics
- An O.D. family to
belong to
- A clear focus
- Improve my own organization
- To obtain more tools
- A Clarity of mission
Then
they spoke to the O.D. Profession as a whole. To the question
“As an O.D. Professional We want:” reinforced yet boarded participants
concerns:
- A place to center
ourselves as an educational, collegial association
- Recognition as a profession
by consumers and society
- Community
- Collective sharing
- Helping others
- A strong voice, a
united front to define our identity
- A vision for the future
- To b e a real profession
- To engage in deep
dialogue, to understand who we are
- Relevance outside
our community
- A sense of interdependence
- A common starting
ground for the O.D. profession
- Identify common goals
and support network
- Submit articles to
mainstream media
- A professional society
- Work with the popular
press and get information out about O.D.
- Determine best practices
In
conclusion it was a very good conference. If you weren't
there these participant comments may strike a strong cord for
you. Though we may not have agreement on where we are
going as a field or even on what role the O.D. Institute should
play we certainly have our opinions, hopes and dreams both individually
and collectively
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