Comments on: Organization Development as a Profession: Will Certification or Licensing Help You Choose Your Consultant? https://plusdelta.net/2010/03/profession-of-organization-development-certification-and-licensing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=profession-of-organization-development-certification-and-licensing Project Management, Change Management. Leadership Coaching Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:51:17 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: crishagen https://plusdelta.net/2010/03/profession-of-organization-development-certification-and-licensing/#comment-60 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:58:32 +0000 https://www.plusdelta.net/?p=1553#comment-60 Great post, Michael! Thanks for responding. You've confirmed what I, too, believe to be true, and that is that the reputation of the consultant (through word of mouth, referral, or prior relationship) is key to getting hired as a consultant. Proven results is always the key to success.

Cris

]]> By: Michael Papanek https://plusdelta.net/2010/03/profession-of-organization-development-certification-and-licensing/#comment-59 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:11:57 +0000 https://www.plusdelta.net/?p=1553#comment-59 The question of certification is an interesting one for both clients and consultants.

When trying to make the right choice, I think first the client needs to determine what levels and types of experience they need. How important is a track record in their industry or with the type of OD engagement they need (org change, tech adoption, coaching, learning, teamwork, conflict, org design, etc.)? Then they need to decide what other attributes will be important, including education, but also many other factors. I find that a specific certification or degree is not a top criteria for most people. More important is the “fit” or chemistry between the consultant(s) and the client(s). Prior experience of the client also makes a big difference. What has worked or not worked with other consultants before?

Maybe most important is a direct referral from someone who has worked with the consultant before.

If I thought any certification could guarantee success in any given engagement, I would advise clients to look for that, but I have not found one yet.

For consultants, I would say get any certification you want to learn and become more effective and valuable, but do not do it only expecting to gain more clients. Some of the best and most sought after consultants I know have no certification or degree in “OD”.

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