Change Management WalkMe TeamUpdated September 4, 2018

Should You Study an Organizational Development Degree?

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Should You Study an Organizational Development Degree?

Discovering a suitable career path is no easy task, but your best bet is to join a growing industry.

Have you ever considered an organizational development degree? If not, now is the perfect time, especially if you’re intrigued by the prospect of helping organizations work better.

In an interconnected world, problems are getting solved quicker than ever before, and with a qualification of this nature you can become an integral part of the philosophy.

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Organizational development is the cornerstone of practically engaging employees so they can unlock their true potential. It is a rewarding profession which helps organizations cultivate talent, and you’ll become a specialist in areas like motivation, group dynamics, behavioral patterns, and performance management.

You’ll learn transferable skills which can be applied in multiple industries, and personally develop.

The most important application of an organizational development degree is learning how to encourage change in people. Too often employees are set in their ways, but you’ll usefully learn how to break down the barriers that restrict effective change.

By understanding how you can influence the attitudes and beliefs or organizational members, there is a much greater likelihood change sticks. This makes organizational developers invaluable assets.

Now that we’ve laid the foundation for this article, let’s delve a bit deeper into why you should study an organizational development degree:

Help People Adapt to Change

Change often fails because change leaders don’t understand the forces that affect it, and because staff have an inane tendency to reject it. With an organizational development degree, you’ll gain an in depth understanding of how employees are affected by change, allowing you to empathize with staff during uncertain times.

Knowing how to combat resistance is a sought after skill, since you can facilitate a transition into the future. Counteract denial, anger, and dejection and you’ll be halfway to success. The biggest attribute of this qualification is understanding how to help employees adjust to an ever-evolving business world.

Does an Organizational Development Degree Develop Leaders?

Organizations are constantly seeking competent leaders, especially in the field of change. It takes a uniquely skilled individual to lead employees into the promised land.

You’ll explore the relationships within business culture, particularly those that concern groups, organizations, and individuals.

You’ll gain a scientific understanding of how interpersonal relationships affect organizational structure. You can consequently apply strategic methods in the workplace, from a visionary perspective.

Establishing leadership qualities will differentiate you from the competition, helping you stand out because you can bring direction to organizational structures.

You’ll also receive consultation skills, which can impact corporate environments. Graduates appeal to organizations due to their ability to increase productivity.

Understand Motivations

Understanding what makes staff tick is a skill in itself. Imagine understanding what motivates staff to behave the way they do? Well, an organizational development degree brings you one step closer to this impressive feat. You’ll learn the science behind the attitudes and beliefs that drive decision making.

This will help you contribute to a creative and productive environment, appreciating the motivations that shape the profile of your company. Corporations seek to enrich the lives of dedicated employees, and if you can align with their motivations for doing so, you’re at a great advantage.

Learn Negotiation Skills

With effective negotiation skills, you can reduce the stress associated with person-to-person interactions. Fortunately, this qualification will enhance your ability to negotiate, making often dreaded business scenarios more manageable. Instill confidence in your team by showcasing your negotiation skills, which translate to great people skills.

Throughout your degree, you’ll be put in mock situations where you can personally develop, in situations that resemble realistic participation. When employed as a valuable asset, you can cultivate business relationships that are productive and respectful.

Defining Your Job Role: Organizational Development Advisor

This is probably the most logical route after finishing your degree. The role involves assisting the management and maintenance of HR.

Organizational development advisors are deployed across multiple industries, and collaborate with company management to implement employee training, devise production strategies, and increase market awareness.

You’ll be required to take management needs into account, and the personnel they manage. Advisors typically work in office environments, but you might have an opportunity to travel to job fairs and other similar recruitment venues.

Organizational development advisors must understand legal regulations, with strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills. They must be familiar with project management, and have basic computing to help their cause.

If this career path seems right down your street, explore different educational routes and you could be onto a real winner. Change is everywhere, so why not jump on the bandwagon during a time when the change industry requires innovative leaders?

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