Looking to build your knowledge in organizational development and change management? We forget to focus on professional development when we’re in the grind of everyday work, but the ROI is worth it. Taking time out to focus builds new skills – and connects you to people of like minds. After a graphic facilitation network last year, I was able to use some of the new tools at a client with great results. Check out these upcoming conferences and if you can’t get to them, be aware of the trends in OD and change management.
Noble purpose and leaders eating last: New Orleans in May
The Association of Change Management Professionals’ conference has two excellent keynote speakers. Lisa Earle McLeod (leading with noble purpose) presentation centers on how organizations and leaders can drive better results by instilling a greater sense of purpose. Her philosophy is that a greater sense of purpose enables people to close more business, become more effective leaders and lead happier lives. Simon Sinek explains that when the conditions in our organizations are right, we naturally trust each other and cooperate. But when leaders neglect the environment in which their people must work, politics, silos, cynicism and self-interest prevail — all things that make it even more difficult for us to work together. The best leaders know how to build those conditions and the best organizations are the ones in which the people work together to confront danger and seize opportunities.
Building resiliency in a disrupted, digital world: New York in June
The Conference Board’s Change and Transformation conference will examine what is needed to build resilient, relevant organizations in a disrupted, digital world. Leveraging human and emotional capital is important for addressing the disruptive digital economy. A strategic response also relies on what companies actually do with the technology, such as building closer relationships with customers, employees, and external talent.
Creating innovation for our organizations: Chicago in October
The Organization Development Network has an excellent conference outlining the latest trends impacting the field. Held in October in Chicago. Our world faces great opportunities — rebuilding trust in our financial systems and global relationships, turning around inequality and poverty, caring for our environment, and lifting up education and healthcare. Organization Development — being creative, inspirational, and deeply practical — is poised to inspire and generate the innovation being called forth by our organizations, communities, and society.
