The OD Praise Conundrum

In today’s episode, we wrestle with a tension many OD practitioners quietly carry: wanting our work to matter without wanting to be the center of attention.

Much of what we do happens behind the scenes — coaching leaders, shaping conversations, diffusing conflict, and helping teams succeed in ways that are often invisible to others. When things go well, the leader or team rightfully gets the credit. In many ways, that’s exactly how OD work is supposed to work.

But if we’re honest, there are moments when the lack of acknowledgment can sting. At the same time, many of us feel uncomfortable when the spotlight turns our way. We deflect praise, minimize our contributions, or almost cringe when recognition comes too directly.

So what is this tension really about? Is it humility? Professional identity? Ego? Or simply the complicated reality of doing work that is deeply relational, highly influential, and often hard to see?

In this conversation, we explore the quiet paradox of OD work: helping others shine while remaining mostly invisible ourselves — and the mixed emotions that come with that role.