Every organization reaches a point where structure, culture, and processes no longer match its mission or size. This misalignment creates frustration, confusion, and inefficiencies. An Organizational Development (OD) review helps leaders understand what is working, what is not, and how to better align people, systems, and strategy.
Here are five common signs your organization may be ready for an OD review.
1. People Are Working Hard, But Results Aren’t Improving
If staff feel overwhelmed yet outcomes remain stagnant, this often indicates: ∙ Misaligned workflows
∙ Inefficient processes
∙ Unclear roles
∙ Lack of strategic focus
An OD review identifies root causes—not just symptoms.
2. Roles and Responsibilities Are Unclear
This is one of the most common challenges across sectors. When roles are unclear, staff may:
∙ Duplicate work
∙ Drop tasks
∙ Get frustrated with coworkers
∙ Experience conflict over “who does what”
An OD review clarifies structure, decision-making, and accountability.
3. Leadership and Staff Communication Is Breaking Down
Miscommunication creates mistrust. You may notice:
∙ Mixed messages
∙ Unclear expectations
∙ Low engagement
∙ Resistance to change
A culture and communication assessment can reveal gaps and improve team alignment.
4. Your Organization Has Grown (or Shrunk) Quickly
Growth often outpaces structure. Similarly, downsizing can leave gaps. An OD review helps realign:
∙ Organizational structure
∙ Staffing needs
∙ Workflows
∙ Reporting relationships
∙ Leadership capacity
5. Change Efforts Keep Failing or Facing Resistance
If every initiative feels like an uphill battle, the issue may not be the change itself, but the approach.
An OD consultant helps organizations:
∙ Understand readiness for change
∙ Communicate effectively
∙ Reduce resistance
∙ Build buy-in
∙ Implement sustainable change
Conclusion
If your organization is experiencing any of these signs, an OD review can help you regain clarity, strengthen culture, and improve performance.