Facilitator: David Glaser

David Glaser began his study and practice of Buddhism in 1991 and has been exploring it and teaching ever since.  He has been an OD consultant since 1982, first as an internal consultant, and later as Partner with Judy Vogel in Vogel/Glaser & Associates, Inc.  David served on the CBODN Board from 1991 through 1995.  He is a member of the instructional staff of American University’s MSOD program and a member / trainer with NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science.

Program Details: 

Action Research and Mindfulness Meditation:  Parallel Methods of Investigation and Renewal

For centuries people have practiced meditation to attain spiritual well-being by releasing internal stress, conflict and resistance. These obstacles to health and high performance in life are analogous to the resistance and turbulence OD practitioners work with in our client systems. Further, OD methodology is based on values and approaches that are quite consistent with those underlying the mindfulness (or insight) form of Buddhist meditation. 

This session will explore the similarities and show how a regular practice of meditation can be a profound support to one’s consulting practice.

Fundamental values and approaches of OD which guide our consulting interventions include:

• Data-based design, using the experience of the learner to generate insight
• Dynamic tension between being a participant and being an observer of a system
• Tolerance for and curiosity about the difficulties, ambiguity, paradox and confusion as well as opportunities and successes
• The importance of calibrating learning to readiness of learners

When viewed through the lens of the insight style of Buddhism, these OD principles can be used to enable greater understanding of ourselves as consultants and to renew our capacities to stay focused and effective regardless of "the stormy seas" around us in our client organizations.

This session will present the basic techniques of insight meditation that support one's consulting practice and explore practical applications.