Connecting the Dots in your Organization

I have recently discovered a fun strategy game from the fine folks at Google Play. The game is called Dots: A Game About Connecting.

On the surface, it’s a simple strategy game. The goal or objective of the game is simple: connect same-color dots vertically and horizontally to win points. If you are able to make a square, you win even more points!

It’s a simple game, one of those online puzzle games that are fun to pass the time. So why write about it here?

Well, it got me thinking about my profession. I work in the field of talent development, more specifically as an organizational development consultant. If you have worked with a TD or OD specialist, then you know generally what I do. But I often find myself in situations where I am trying to explain it.

A quick scan at recent OD job posts will show some of the following requirements or duties:

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external partners to design and deliver leadership development programs that build a robust pipeline of leaders who drive culture and growth

• Advise, consult, and contribute to projects, programs and learning initiatives as needed to integrate and apply change management and organizational effectiveness practices

• Builds strong relationships at all levels across functional departments and within HR to influence decision making in a collaborative way

I play a major role in forming the talent and leadership pipeline for the company. That means I need to be a change management expert, and one that is comfortable managing large projects, especially ones that cross multiple departments and levels.

Long story short, I help to build connections across the company!

I clarify what the vision or goal is, then I help to bring people together throughout the organization. When done correctly, these connections form strong alliances, and the vision or goal is delivered.

For all my talent development and organizational development peers out there, the next time someone asks you what you do, tell them you play the dot game…just at a much larger scale.