The Change Agent Compass: An Introduction

"The Change Agent Compass: A Model for Leading Organizational Transformation" is the synthesis of many facets of my professional, educational, and personal experiences.  Prior to turning my full focus into Organization Development consultation, I was a Project Manager within the biotech/pharma space for nearly 20 years.  I built a solid professional reputation based on always meeting my project deliverables and timelines, and satisfying the priorities of the organization's senior leadership.  But time and time again, these projects and change efforts fell far short during the implementation phase.  

In 2013, I commenced the cohort-based Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) at American University in Washington, D.C.  Traveling from Boston to D.C. once a month, soon after welcoming our first child a month earlier, proved challenging to say the least!  However the MSOD program proved to be a truly transformative experience in so many ways.  From a professional perspective, there has been a dramatic impact in terms of how I approach change and engage stakeholders at all levels of an organizational system, and drive toward shared understanding and effectiveness.  From a personal perspective, the foundational principles and values of OD have helped improve my own self-awareness, mindfulness, and interactions with friends and family alike.  

Mid-way through the MSOD program, I transitioned from a Project Manager position to working as an Internal OD consultant for an 800-person global division within the same company.  This period of professional and personal transition helped lay the foundation for "The Change Agent Compass: A Model for Leading Organizational Transformation" which can be accessed here:  The Change Agent Compass

In future blog posts, I'll provide insight into the four dimensions and three guiding principles of The Change Agent Compass.  While it is important to understand and develop each component separately, the seasoned change agent is able to operate across two or more dimensions at the same time in order to achieve a desired impact in service of a client's objectives.  Across multiple projects, clients--and even with family and friends--The Change Agent Compass has helped improve my own effectiveness and impact time and time again.  Over time, I look forward to helping more change agents understand and leverage The Change Agent Compass in their own personal and professional endeavors.