The Self as an Instrument - A Cornerstone for the Future of OD
Mee-Yan Cheung-Judge
The promise of a bright future for OD lies in the hands of its torch bearers, OD consultants and their commitment to the continuous development of a competency that lies at the heart of their effectiveness - the self as instrument.
Drawing on an extensive literature review, the author lays down the premise that this competency is a prime asset when it comes to building the kind of quality relationships with clients that are required to enhance organisational effectiveness.
The article builds upon the definitions of instrumentality developed by Warner Burke and Edwin Nevis to explore key practices in owning and refining the use of self.
Reflections by the author on work supervising and mentoring other OD consultants, highlight the necessity of employing these practices for high performance without high personal cost.
While perfect instrumentality can never be achieved, a collective journey towards it by OD consultants gives the author hope for a major impact in the field of OD.
OD Network 'OD Practioner' Vol 33. No.3, 2001