“The Catalyst Within"

In the realm of organizational development, the age-old adage "Self as an instrument of Change" or "Change starts with self" has often been dismissed as a lofty spiritual mantra, leaving many, including myself, puzzled and perplexed during the early stages of our careers. Even today, I observe that numerous young aspirants in the field find these statements either confusing, laughable, or simply choose to overlook them. It is this observation and my personal journey of decoding these seemingly cryptic messages that have inspired me to pen down this article, aiming to demystify and simplify the profound wisdom encapsulated in these spiritual mantras.

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As I reflect on my journey, spanning over a decade and involving collaborations with diverse clients across various sectors, the realization dawned on me that these age-old teachings indeed hold the key to successful organization development (OD) practices. Otto Scharmer, the esteemed author of "Leading from the Emerging Future," succinctly captures this sentiment, asserting, “The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the intervener." This simple yet profound statement mirrors the essence of those spiritual mantras that once confounded me.

My aim here is not to perpetuate old wisdom but to distil its true essence and present it in a way that resonates with the challenges faced by today's OD practitioners. In decoding the essence of "Self as an instrument of Change," I've identified three core elements that play a pivotal role in shaping the success of an OD consultant: Purity, Intensity, and Capability.

Purity - The Essence of Selflessness:

Purity refers to the inner state of the OD consultant – a state characterized by selflessness and clear intentions to create a positive impact. It's not about moral superiority but rather about cultivating intentions free from personal agendas. This purity establishes trust and fosters genuine connections within an organization, paving the way for a transformative ripple effect.

Intensity - Fuelling Transformative Engagements:

Intensity in actions sets apart a successful OD consultant. It goes beyond routine efforts, transcending into a passionate commitment to the cause. Like the distinction between love and intense love, engagements driven by intensity leave an indelible mark. When consultants infuse their work with passion and dedication, the impact resonates more deeply, inspiring change at a visceral level within the organization.

Capability - The Pillar of Knowledge and Exploration:

Depth of exploration and a profound understanding of the science and art of human behaviors form the bedrock of an effective OD consultant's capabilities. This involves continuous learning, pushing boundaries, and exploring uncharted territories. Armed with a diverse arsenal of insights, an OD consultant with deep capabilities can tailor interventions that address the unique dynamics of each organization.

Consider these elements as the three legs of a stool; each one is indispensable for maintaining stability. Imagine an OD consultant lacking in purity, intensity, or capability – the transformative journey becomes precarious. Yet, the genesis of this journey lies in a crucial precursor – knowing oneself. It is this self-awareness that serves as the catalyst for cultivating purity, intensity, and capability.

Nature's Analogy:

Nature itself serves as a compelling analogy for the OD consultant's transformative journey.

Purity (The Selflessness of Nature): Nature operates without self-interest. Trees provide oxygen, rivers sustain life, and ecosystems thrive without expecting anything in return. Similarly, the OD consultant, guided by purity, selflessly works towards positive change without personal agendas, establishing trust within the organizational ecosystem.

Intensity (The Commitment and Rigor of Nature): Nature's cycles, from the changing seasons to the powerful force of a storm, exemplify intensity. The commitment and rigor displayed in natural processes leave an indelible mark on the environment. Likewise, the OD consultant's intensity should be visible in their unwavering commitment to the transformative cause, leaving a lasting impact.

Capability (Nature's Adaptive Wisdom): Nature corrects itself to maintain balance. The adaptability of ecosystems and the intricate balance within them showcase a profound capability. Similarly, an OD consultant equipped with deep capabilities corrects interventions, learns from experiences, and navigates the complexities of human behaviors, ensuring effective and tailored organizational change.

In conclusion, the transformative power of nature provides a profound analogy for organization development consultants. By embracing the qualities of purity, intensity, and capability, inspired by the selflessness, commitment, and adaptive wisdom of nature, OD consultants can navigate the complexities of organizational change successfully. Like nature, they become the stewards of transformation, facilitating not only the creation and maintenance of positive change but also the adaptive destruction when required. In aligning with the essence of nature, OD consultants hold the key to sustainable and impactful organizational transformation.