Change Surgeon
Global Competency Focus
Summary
The mark of a Change Surgeon is their ability to diagnose the root cause of an organizational issue that is impacting the health of the entire system. For this reason, Change Surgeons find the greatest enjoyment in helping clients carefully, compassionately, and reliably assess underlying issues impacting their performance. However, unlike a general physician, they seem to be fit to develop a specific area of OD expertise including tools that help clients address what is ailing them. Change Surgeons often craft their area of expertise further by focusing on a specific system of the organization, much like a body. The skeletal system (organizational structure), the cardiovascular system (sustainability), the nervous system (strategic coordination and vibrancy), the digestive track (mergers, new leaders, unplanned change), the respiratory system (endurance), as well as physiological functions that eliminate waste (process improvement), and so on.
Prioritize your Learning, Research, Stretch-Assignments, and Mentors!
The OD Network's Global Competency Framework is what is known as a a "full-spectrum" approach to OD skill development. Though it may be ideal for some people, not ever practitioner will be interested (or compelled by their job requirements) to learn all of these competencies.
To help prioritize your OD professional development in a way that is most meaningful, practical, and economical, utilize this illustration to chart learning journey. Start with the competency cluster next to the number 1, and then move onto 2, 3, and so on.
​
Pay particularly careful attention to competency areas marked by stars, as they are more likely to be appealing and useful to you given your preferences.
The Global Competency Framework also contains numerous "OD Specializations" you may choose to develop. We've studied the relevance of each of these specializations for jobs that match your preference.
To prioritize your development it is always best to speak with a career coach to make sure that your development aligns your vision, mission, strengths and interests with real OD career opportunities.
Generally, however, we suggest starting at the top of the list and then working your way down. Anything above 80% may be considered an essential specialization for your preference..
Anything between 50- 79% should be considered an important specialization for careers that match your preference. Anything below 50% is can be helpful but not
Specialization Relevance
