Swartz workshop attendees develop principles for complex change

Participants in an OSR Alumni workshop came together at Seattle University over the weekend of October 18th to talk, learn and develop key principles for dealing with complex change in organizations. The workshop was led by OSR founder, Don Swartz (pictured below), and co-facilitated by alumni from several cohorts: Michelle Alverson, Lucy Garrick, Marilyn Ferguson-Wolf, David Kleweno, Colleen Ponto and Dee Endleman.

On Friday night, Don set the stage for the weekend by providing an overview on the unique issues associated with what he termed "transformational change."

Drawing from the diverse experiences of workshop managers and consultants who work in/with systems ranging from metropolitan school districts to health care, human resources, computer technology, state agencies, financial services, engineering firms, non-profits and public libraries, over 40 complex change dilemmas were identified and grouped in to six key themes:

1.    Setting up change for success
2.    Designing, planning and implementing change while doing daily work
3.    Sustaining the commitment to the change effort
4.    The impact of leaders on change efforts
5.    Preparing ourselves to be change agents
6.    Building relationships to design, implement and sustain change

Working together, participants shared stories, expertise and insights to illuminate dozens of key principles for dealing with complex change. Sharing experiences and expertise across a wide diversity of organizational experience revealed common issues and opportunities.

At one point Don advised the group,  "Beyond what and why, principle-based change should drive 'how-to' solutions for change. Principles of involvement are the same, but how you get there can be different depending on culture, context, country, etc."

Share your thoughts about the workshop. Click on "Comments" below.

Alumni share talent and experience with OSR community

There are lots of way to stay connected and support the OSR community and friends. Alumni are encouraged and invited to be part of the many activities and initiatives that occur throughout the year. Check the OSR calendar and this space for upcoming opportunities and events.

New Alumni Association Board members

The OSR Alumni Association Board is pleased to welcome three new board members for the coming year.  We are excited to have new ideas and talents to add to our existing board as well as an experimental position for board members, emeritus.

Julie Bowen, OSR 8 — ”I am interested in building on the foundation of the board over the past couple of years to bring continued opportunities for networking and life long learning.  I hope to give back to the OSR community and identify ways for other OSR alumni to give back to the OSR community as well. The OSR Alumni Board is one way I continue to live OSR values.“

Steve Byers, OSR 13 — ”I asked to join the Alumni Association Board so that I would stay closely and actively connected to the OSR community, and to assure myself of many opportunities to contribute. I want to know what's going on. I'm interested in connecting the Alumni Association with other communities and networks who are doing good work, and increasing our community's visibility. I'm also keen to help design the annual conference.“

John Curry, OSR 9 — ”Over the years OSR-sponsored activities have provided a support network for me and an avenue of continued learning. I look forward to collaborating with fellow alumni in the creation and facilitation of such activities and furthering the objectives of the OSR program.“

Continuing OSR Alumni Association Board members
Paula Brekke, OSR 3, OSR Community Coordinator
Carolyn Davidson OSR 8, OSR-Northwest Board Liaison
Lucy Garrick, OSR 12, Board Chair
Claire Ricci, OSR 11
Larry West, OSR 9
Bob Woodruff, OSR 4

Third time's a charm: Alumni Board invites you

Thanks to your OSR Master’s degree, you’ve probably earned several “Plays Well With Others” awards and accolades from colleagues at work, family at home and friends at play.

Isn’t it time to try a third OSR design team experience?

The OSR Alumni Association is looking for graduates interested in serving on the Association’s Board of Directors.

Here’s a chance to hone your collaborative team-member skills while supporting the OSR graduate programs and community. Through your board service you’ll be able to create deep and meaningful relationships throughout the OSR community.

As a board member, you’ll sign-on for a two-year commitment that includes:

• Participating in monthly, two-hour board meetings held at Seattle University;
• Assisting with a full-day annual board retreat (usually late Spring or early Summer);
• Contributing to board initiatives that fit your expertise and interests;
• Volunteering at OSR events and activities — serving as ambassadors on behalf the OSR community-at-large.

Current board initiatives are:

• Lead, manage and market the Alumni Association
• Design and produce learning events
• Develop community relationships
• Collaborate with OSR graduate programs, the OSR-Northwest board and the Alumni Association
• Connect OSR alumni members
• Partner in building and sustaining OSR graduate programs

Sound interesting? More details are online at osr-nw.org/alumni/ or email alumni board co-chair Lucy Garrick at osr-alumni@osr-nw.org.