Practicing Organization Development: A Guide for Leading Change: A Third Edition

CHAPTER THIRTY

The Personhood of the OD Practitioner⁹

Saul Eisen

 

 

 

 

 

In this chapter I will share a perspective about the use of self as an instrument of OD practice. It is based on my belief that, to do our work well, we must not only be knowledgeable and skilled professionals, but also self-aware as human beings. The material in this chapter encourages you to observe your strengths and limitations, consider the emotions and biases that you may sometimes hide from yourself, and learn from noticing the feelings that arise as you work.

As many of us were, you were probably drawn to the practice of OD because you care about people and want to contribute what you can. You realize that you may not be able to change the world, but you wanted ...