OD is a very broad field with many definitions, one that I like is "improving organisational health and effectiveness through the application of behavioural sciences". It's very close to Knowledge Management.
The programme takes place in Oxford and it has 6 modules. Each module is 4 days, except the first module is 5 days. The entire programme runs over 11 months, so the modules are separated by about a month or two.
I finished Module 1 a few weeks ago. Frankly, it's been some of the most transformational learning I've ever had. We learned many OD models, but mostly, we learned about ourselves and group dynamics through a process known as T Group (also known as Human Interaction Lab).
I'm not exactly sure how to describe a T group. Basically, you have 8 people in a room with a facilitator for 5 days. That's about it. Very little structure, very few rules. The idea is to learn about yourself and how your "use of self" impacts the group. They sometimes call it a deconstructive process, because you'll most likely need to check your assumptions and then re-build. Gestalt principles are recommended, which means you stay "in the moment", as opposed to discussing past or future.
I'm still digesting all that I learned. It was such a great experience, I found a renewed version of myself and a tremendous growth in understanding group dynamics.
No comments:
Post a Comment