Organization Development Network

Lifetime Achievement Award

Purpose of the Award

To acknowledge the significant, consistent, and enduring contribution of an individual (or individuals) to the field of organization development (OD).
To offer an exemplary model of achievement to those both inside and outside the OD community.
To honor seasoned OD professionals who have been accessible to all generations of OD practitioners, and committed to maintaining a dynamic connection with the field of OD.

Criteria for This Award

This award honors an individual (or individuals) whose commitment to the field of OD and whose achievements over the course of a lifetime have made a significant contribution to the OD profession that is clearly acknowledged by others in the professional community. Their commitment should be demonstrated in as many of the following criteria as possible:

Made an outstanding conceptual contribution that has, in some fundamental way, advanced the field of OD (e.g., has published highly-respected work; is a frequently cited source in books and journals; has created a body of work that has enhanced the practice of OD professionals; has fundamentally challenged our way of thinking about the practice of OD; or has reinterpreted theory and enhanced our understanding of the profession).
Made an outstanding professional contribution that has had significant client/community impact through the application of OD principles and practices (i.e., has consistently demonstrated the value of OD through projects, interventions, and client engagements).
Served as a beacon in the OD community, lighting the way for others to follow (e.g., through teaching, mentoring, writing, speaking, blogging, and sharing information).
Actively communicated the purpose, principles, values, and the impact of OD to the larger world (i.e., educated the public about the value of OD and increased the market demand for well-trained OD practitioners).
Garnered global and/or national recognition for her/his contributions.
Exemplified the values of OD in his/her own behavior.

Nominations should include examples of behavior that fulfill the above bulleted criteria.

The recipient of this award does not have to be a member of the OD Network.