Organizational Development

Jackie and I are nearing the time when we will embark on our first Organizational Development opportunity.  I am excited!

We will be visiting with a local winery in order to learn the culture, the structure, and the true essence of their business.  We have done extensive research and reading about their business from an outsiders perspective, getting an understanding of what they present themselves to be.  These provide great insight as to who they want us to think they are. 

But who are they really?  Do their employees "feel" the same essence they are trying to portray?  Does the image they portray allign with the family's vision who created and still owns the vineyards?  How has hiring a professional winemaker and caretaker of the vineyard affected the image, direction, and vision of their business?  Do they see themselves in the same way that other local wineries see them?

I look forward to using my background in sales, marketing, human resources, and public relations as I hear the owners and employees tell their story.  I look forward to using this experience in the business world to apply these methods and techniques to the business of education.

To be honest, this has sparked an interest in me of a direction I might consider going with my doctorate in Educational Leadership.  Many corporations, non profits, charter schools, churches, academies, military, and other entities have education programs within their organization.  I can see myself becoming an Organizational Development Consultant with a potential specialty in Educational Programs.  I spoke at a conference in November, and am again speaking at a conference this March and this July.  I thoroughly enjoy this aspect as well and can see myself starting my own consulting business.

In the midst of today's economic changes and in the midst of educational reform, I see a great opportunity and have a passion for Organizational Re-development, Organizational Reform, Educational Reform.  This is why I am so passionate about California Partnership Academies, about alternative methods of reaching those students who are not being reached, and about STEM-equity.

But, it all starts with this casual visit to a local winery.