~ Review by Pete Canny, LG member
For our November event, our valued ODA members Carolina Bouten-Pinto and Syed Shah took us on a journey through their process and approach to OD at the City of Hobart, where they both work.
We were introduced to their process of establishing the OD team, engaging the organisation during a CEO transition, and working with consultants who placed more emphasis on their method than the objectives and outcomes they were engaged to deliver.
In addition to painting a clear picture of the organisation and their approach, they articulated the value of clear direction, transparent processes, and accessible models in engaging the organisation. Clear language allowed employees at all levels to better understand what they were part of and developed their ability to contribute to broader OD objectives.
Throughout the three-year process, there were challenges. Six months with three acting CEOs impacted the process as the direction became muddied. Furthermore, having external consultants who were fixed on their method and behaving as authorities, rather than partners, created a further set of complications.
As well as sharing their learnings, Carolina and Syed engaged us in thinking about how we would approach those situations, which sparked stimulating conversation amongst those of us in attendance.
I was left thinking about the value of clarity: clarity of purpose, clarity of role, and clarity of process.
ODA members, note: A recording of Carolina’s session is available to you via the membership portal; just log on to the ODA website. Another great reason to be an ODA member! Join now!