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Managers’ Corner: Learn how organization development can support your team

Are you looking for a way to make your team more effective? UCOP Human Resources offers many resources to support teams in several areas related to organization development (OD), including:

  • Navigating change (whether planned or unexpected)
  • Building a strong, positive team culture
  • Strengthening employee engagement and alignment
  • Crafting or reinvigorating your vision, mission, and values
  • Enhancing team and leadership effectiveness
  • Creating a pipeline of future-ready talent
  • Making your meetings more efficient and energizing
  • Helping new leaders integrate smoothly into their teams

To get started, submit an intake form or contact Merideth Wakeman for more information. And, read on to learn more about OD.

What exactly is OD — and how can it help you?

In today’s fast-changing and often unpredictable political and social environment, organizations and teams are under more pressure than ever to stay grounded, responsive and united. Whether navigating external disruptions, adapting to new policies or managing the ripple effects of change, responding thoughtfully, rather than reactively, is critical.

That’s where OD comes in. OD is a strategic, behind-the-scenes thought partner. We help UCOP become more effective, resilient and ready for whatever comes next. By applying behavioral science insights, OD helps leaders and teams work better together, lead through uncertainty and create a workplace where strategy and people are in sync. Think of it as strengthening the organization’s immune system, so we’re not just surviving challenges but using them as opportunities to grow stronger.

OD vs. Learning and Development (L&D): What’s the difference?

It can be tempting to recommend training for every challenge. But not every issue can be solved with a workshop — and that’s where understanding the difference between OD and L&D is key:

  • OD takes a whole-organization view, answering the question, “How do we help this team or organization adapt, align and thrive?” OD dives deep into how teams function, how decisions are made and whether systems and structures support goals. It’s about creating lasting change, not just quick fixes. OD engagements might include:
    — Deep-dive assessments using surveys, interviews and focus groups
    — Culture and team development sessions
    — Leadership and team coaching
    — Cross-functional alignment workshops
  • L&D is more targeted, answering the question, “How do we help individuals build skills and grow?” L&D helps individual employees build new skills and grow professionally through training programs, webinars and development opportunities.

Both are essential, but they play different roles in helping teams navigate complexity and move forward with confidence.

The UCOP OD team is here to help your team thrive and do your best work. Even though the world can feel anything but predictable, we can help you build teams and systems that are ready for whatever’s next.

Submit an intake form here

 

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