This book is a child of the Internet, an example of the ways technology unites communities and enables exploration of ideas. The idea for a book based on a conversation developed from the listserv of the Organization Development Network. In an online conference group called MetaNetwork we found just the right venue for holding a conversation that might last for many weeks, for providing information about the conversation and its purpose, and for managing some of the administrative tasks required in publishing that would have become unwieldy if done with standard methods. We invited hundreds of OD practitioners into a wide-ranging conversation — discussing topics from groundbreaking new concepts to practical and grounded application tips regarding both emerging and well-used models.

The conversation was actually launched in person, as Meg Wheatley and Bob Tannenbaum sat in easy chairs near Bob’s Carmel, California home, considering the field from all angles, and exploring their differing perspectives. Bob and Meg brought two very different and important perspectives to the foundation of the conversation. Bob has been a member of the field since before it was a field. He understands its roots, its underlying values, the inner core that keeps it strong in a changing world. He is among the people who can claim to have founded a field of work. Meg is one of the challenging thinkers of our day, a person whose presence in a room enables discussions of such lofty ideas as applying the principles of science to organizations, and reconsidering the concept of globalization. She has inspired many of us to think more broadly, more purposefully about our relationship with our world.

Participants responded with enthusiasm, telling the stories of how they came to find the field, their purpose in it, and the focus of their service. For some, OD was an accidental discovery on the way to where they thought they were headed. For others, OD was a fit for their values, or the answer to questions they had been asking. For a few, but only a few, OD was the original destination. You will find those stories distributed in italics throughout the book.

All this has produced a book that we believe most OD practitioners will find thought provoking and useful, and new practitioners will find essential. It will be a place to turn to hear experienced consultants and senior practitioners discuss such topics as:

• Do we serve the client or something else?

• Are we are based in humanistic values or business values?

• How are we distinguished from related fields?

• What are the principles values people who’ve worked in the field for years actually base their practice on?

• How do the models we use every day differ from the models we were taught?

• What are the differences international practitioners have found as they adapt OD to other cultures?

• Is OD dying? If not, what will it look like in the future?

And so much more. We hope you will enjoy it.