​In our rapidly changing world, polarization is taking hold at every level. Before we know it, we find ourselves living in such vastly different worldviews that collaboration and consensus seem nearly impossible.

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OD practitioners work with polarities, too. For instance, differences of perspective on how to organize, change, and learn. These polarities continually confront practitioners with choices: between solving problems and building problem-solving capacity, or between Profit, People, and Planet.

 

It is becoming increasingly clear that all these challenges have no once-and-for-all solutions. Instead, they call for the ability to navigate dilemmas — and even to harness them productively.  Frequently, it seems to be a matter of both/and, rather than either/or.

 

The IODA conference of 25-27 August 2027 offers a unique opportunity to explore the tensions inherent in our profession and to arrive at fresh, new insights together.