My team and I are at the international ODN conference. ("OD" means "Organization Development"; "N" means Network).

I don't talk about it often, but deep in my bones I'm an "OD" person. It's how I was trained and it's always informed my work.

And that's one of my first takeaways from day 1 of the conference: the robust theory and unique approaches of the field of OD matter, but like a invisible force at my back or under my winds or some such metaphor.

That is, I never--and shouldn't, really--talk about "OD" with my clients. What matters more is their trust in me and that the work we do makes a difference.

Takeaway #1: Theory needs to be invisible.

The next biggest takeaway is frustratingly simple, yet is one that I bump up against again and again as I approach the 30-year mark of my career in this field.

It's very Mr. Miyagi: it's all about the basics.

Stuff like I've written about for years:

The successful organizations are the ones who support their people to activate and realize their unique creative capacities

That's it.

And in today's volatile environment, the basics matter more than ever.

Today's another full day of conference activity and I'm looking forward to it.

All best,

Moe