Trust and credibility aren’t just nice-to-haves in Organizational Development - they’re foundational. In this episode of Unboxing OD, we briefly explore how OD practitioners can build influence without formal authority, create psychological safety within teams, and turn resistance into opportunity.

Through the story of Devon, a new internal OD specialist navigating the difference between permission and trust, we uncover what it really takes to earn leadership buy-in and foster meaningful change.

Whether you’re just stepping into the OD space or leading major initiatives without a formal title, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and real-world application for the moments that matter most.

If you like this episode, we encourage you to subscribe! You can also e-mail me at info@pearsonpearson.llc or connect with me on LinkedIn.

You can also CLICK HERE learn more about The Flow of Five Tiers.

As always, thank you for listening!

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What does a typical day look like for an Organizational Development (OD) practitioner? The short answer: there’s no such thing as typical.

In this episode of Unboxing OD, we walk through the real-world responsibilities of OD professionals - how we move from deep diagnosis to intentional intervention, build strategic trust with leadership, navigate complex political dynamics, and make tough prioritization calls when everything feels urgent.

Through the story of Liana, a fictional but deeply relatable OD consultant, we explore what it really means to do this work with clarity, compassion, and impact. From facilitating unexpected conflict to guiding leadership through culture change, Liana’s day captures the human heart of OD: showing up with purpose, listening well, and moving the system - one conversation at a time.

This episode is for anyone doing OD work, considering the field, or trying to better understand what makes this role so critical in today’s organizations.

If your team is facing change or complexity, Pearson & Pearson LLC offers project-based consulting that meets you where you are - and helps you move forward with confidence. And for those looking to deepen their practice, stay tuned for The Flow of Five Tiers, a forthcoming book that explores the foundational elements shaping organizational life.

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What if the key to better leadership ... is better followership?

In this episode of Unboxing OD, we’re flipping the script and turning our attention to a concept that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential - followership. We’ll explore what followership really is (and what it’s not), how it plays a vital role in organizational success, and why developing this skill is just as important as leadership itself.

You’ll hear the story of Camden and Elise - two professionals navigating a shift in roles, power, and trust - and how their ability to move between leading and following created a stronger, more adaptable team. We’ll also unpack how OD practitioners can help individuals and organizations cultivate followership as a core capability, and why influence doesn’t require a title.

Whether you see yourself as a leader, a follower, or something in between—this episode will challenge you to rethink how leadership really works and how we all contribute to the flow of organizational life.

For support in strengthening leadership, followership, and team dynamics in your organization, reach out to Pearson & Pearson LLC at info@pearsonpearson.llc or connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn.

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What does it really mean to think like an OD practitioner? It’s more than just knowing frameworks or designing interventions - it’s about embracing complexity, seeing organizations as interconnected systems, and balancing business outcomes with employee well-being. It’s about making tough ethical decisions with integrity and navigating change with a people-centered approach. And above all, it’s about self-awareness and continuous learning - because OD isn’t just about helping organizations grow, it’s about growing with them.

In this episode, we’ll unpack the core elements of the OD mindset: systems thinking, ethical decision-making, strategic balancing, and the commitment to lifelong learning. Whether you’re new to OD or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation will help you refine your approach and strengthen your impact.

Tune in as we explore what separates effective OD practitioners from the rest - and why shifting your mindset is the key to driving meaningful, lasting change.

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Let’s keep the conversation going - connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at info@pearsonpearson.llc.

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In this episode of Unboxing OD, we’re pulling back the curtain on a question that’s fundamental yet often misunderstood: What does an Organizational Development (OD) professional actually do? Today, we’re diving into the core responsibilities of OD professionals - diagnosing organizational health, designing targeted interventions, facilitating change, and measuring impact - all with the goal of helping organizations function more effectively and adapt to change more smoothly.

We’ll explore how OD goes far beyond team-building exercises and training programs to address deeper challenges like leadership alignment, cultural transformation, and strategic growth. Through real-world examples, we’ll see how OD professionals use data-driven insights and human-centered strategies to solve complex organizational problems. The episode also covers the skills that set successful OD practitioners apart - such as facilitation, data analysis, and strategic thinking - and offers actionable steps for navigating common challenges, including resistance to change and organizational politics.

Whether you’re an aspiring OD professional, a leader looking to strengthen your organization, or simply curious about what OD is all about, this episode has something for you. Tune in to discover the real-world impact of OD and gain practical insights for making your organization more adaptable, resilient, and effective.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson or e-mail him at info@pearsonpearson.llc to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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Leadership and management - two words often used interchangeably, yet they play distinct and complementary roles in shaping organizations. In this special episode of Unboxing OD, we explore how leadership and management work together to drive sustainable success.

This episode holds particular significance as part of my graduate coursework at National University, where I’m pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology. I want to extend my gratitude to Dr. Lisa Teeter and the exceptional faculty at National University for their guidance in deepening my understanding of organizational leadership.

We’ll unpack the evolution of leadership, drawing on recent research to explore transformational leadership, the coaching mindset, and the power of trust in leadership effectiveness. We’ll also break down goal-setting frameworks like SMART, WOOP, and PESTEL, showing how data-driven leadership fuels better decision-making.

To bring these ideas to life, we’ll examine a real-world example - a Tribal Government’s emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case study illustrates how cross-functional leadership, data-informed decision-making, and strategic collaboration helped navigate a crisis and strengthen long-term resilience.

Whether you’re leading a team, managing daily operations, or preparing for a leadership role, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you balance vision with execution.

For those interested in advancing their knowledge in Industrial Organizational Psychology, check out the MSIOP program at Masters Industrial Organizational Psychology | NU.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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References

Crossley. C., Taylor, S., Liden, R., Wo, D., & Piccolo, R. (2024). Right from the start: The association between leadership, trust primacy, and customer loyalty. Journal of Business Ethics, 193, 409-426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-023-05485-y

Eddy, P., VanDerLinden, K., & Hartman, C. (2023). Changing definitions of leadership or same old “hero” leader? Community College Review, 51(1), 30-51. https://doi.org/10.1177/00915521221125304

Muterera, J., Hemsworth, D., Brettle, J., Khorakian, A., & Kharazmi, L. (2024). Examining the impact of transformational leadership, organizational citizenship behaviors, and organizational performance: A dual perspective in the public sector. Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 21(2), 32-48. https://doi.org/10.33423/jlae.v21i2.7026

Sonthalia, S. (2024). Evaluating the impact of embodying the coaching mindset on leaders’ paradigm of power. Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 17(2), 248-264. https://doi.org/10.1080/17521882.2024.2312282

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Imagine a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, admit mistakes, and challenge the status quo without fear of judgment or retaliation. That’s the power of psychological safety, and it’s not just a nice-to-have - it’s a critical factor in an organization’s success. But creating this kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional effort, and Organizational Development (OD) practitioners play a key role in making it a reality.

In this episode of Unboxing OD, we’re taking a look at psychological safety - what it is, why it matters, and how OD professionals can help foster it within teams and organizations. We’ll break down practical strategies OD teams can use to influence leadership, design interventions, and create environments where employees feel empowered to take risks, innovate, and contribute meaningfully.

Whether you’re an OD professional, HR leader, or simply someone interested in creating a more open and effective workplace, this episode will give you actionable insights on how to make psychological safety a cornerstone of your organization’s culture.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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Leadership isn’t just a title - it’s the engine that drives Organizational Development.

In this episode of Unboxing OD, we explore why leadership is the single most important factor in determining whether OD initiatives thrive or fade away. We introduce real-world examples, from Netflix’s commitment to culture to Uber’s early missteps, showing how leadership decisions shape an organization’s DNA.

We’ll also dive into the challenges of engaging leadership in OD and practical strategies to bridge the gap between intent and action. Whether you’re an OD professional, a leader, or someone looking to better understand the intersection of leadership and organizational change, this episode will give you the insights to make a lasting impact.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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