How I "Discovered" the Field of Organizational Behavior

I remember when I "discovered" the field of organizational behavior (OB). Actually it feels more like I stumbled upon it.

In 2007 I enrolled in University of San Francisco's Doctorate in Education (EdD) program. At the outset, I chose the "Learning and Instruction" track.  I set a goal of completing the program in four years. That meant I took courses all year long (that is, not just during the spring and fall semesters).

During the Summer 2008 I enrolled in a course "Organization Development and Leadership" as an "elective." No classes were offered then in the "Learning and Instruction" track. This course "introduced students to many types of interpersonal, intra-group, inter-group, and organization interventions used to effect comprehensive and lasting changes." Students enrolled in the course would develop "a deep understanding of how organizations functions and what role leaders can play to improve organizational performance."

I was more than intrigued by this focus. I felt like I finally found what I was looking for. Let me briefly explain.

I had worked in public relations for nearly twenty years prior to enrolling in the doctoral program. I had reached a point where it felt like the "same old, same old." I couldn't figure out a path forward in public relations. I could have kept doing what I was doing, and getting paid for it. Yet my frustration mounted. I saw what were labeled as "public relations problems" were in fact often deeply rooted and complex. More importantly, they were much more INTERESTING than a public relations mindset made them out to be. The light bulb went off. I had found the place I wanted and needed to be in my doctoral education and, after that, professionally. I soon switched to the "Organization and Leadership" track in the EdD program. I completed my coursework and dissertation, and soon was assigned to teach classes on OB, leadership, and related topics at USF. 

In short, learning about the field of OB felt like I had just put on a new set of glasses. I could see people and organizations anew, like I never had before. It's that kind of excitement and energy that infuses my teaching of OB courses.