What Sets OD Process Consulting Apart from Other Consulting Styles

Not all consulting is created equal. If you’re exploring a career in consulting through an OD lens, you may wonder how Organization Development Process Consulting (ODPC) differs from other consulting styles. Many professionals pivoting from HR, IT, or education roles have heard of management consultants or executive coaches, but OD Process Consultants occupy a unique niche. This article will demystify what makes ODPC distinctive – and so rewarding for those who value people-centered, sustainable change.

Consulting Styles 101: Expert vs. Process (and More)

Traditional expert consultants are hired for their specialized knowledge in a particular domain (finance, IT, strategy, etc.). They diagnose problems and often hand clients a set of recommendations or solutions. In contrast, an OD Process Consultant is hired for facilitation and process skills, not for industry-specific expertise.  Process consultants focus on how things are done – the decision-making, team dynamics, and problem-solving processes within the organization, rather than on a single content area. They act as collaborative partners, guiding groups to find their own answers. Developmental or coaching consultants form another category, emphasizing learning and personal growth, but an OD process consultant’s hallmark is enabling the organization (often teams and leaders) to develop solutions internally.

In summary, OD Process Consulting stands out because:

• It’s Facilitative: As mentioned, ODPC practitioners lead through questions, frameworks, and dialogue. They provide support and structure rather than directive advice.
• It’s Domain-Agnostic: You can drop an OD process consultant into a tech firm, a hospital, or a school system, and they can contribute. That’s because their expertise is in change methodology and human dynamics, which applies anywhere. (This is excellent news if you’re transitioning from another field – your interpersonal skills and fresh perspective can be more important than deep industry experience.)
• It Prioritizes Process Over Quick Fixes: A process consultant targets long-term capacity building, while an expert might aim for a fast solution to a specific problem. The process is the product. By getting the process right—involving the right people, asking the right questions, and fostering collaboration—OD consultants help organizations solve not just the current issue but improve how they handle future issues. 

What OD Process Consulting Looks Like in Action

Imagine a scenario: A company’s sales and operations teams are at odds, causing project delays. A traditional consultant might analyze workflows and recommend a new software or reorganization. An OD Process Consultant, however, would convene a series of facilitated workshops with both teams. Underlying issues (mismatched goals, communication breakdowns, trust deficits) come to light through these sessions. The consultant guides the teams in creating new communication norms and feedback loops, possibly using OD tools like action research or appreciative inquiry. The teams craft and commit to solutions, with the OD consultant as the catalyst. Months later, conflicts have decreased, and the teams have a replicable model for tackling future cross-department challenges – a lasting impact beyond a one-time fix.

Why This Matters for Your Career

If the idea of being a collaborative change agent excites you, OD Process Consulting is a path worth considering. It’s especially fulfilling for those who get more satisfaction from empowering others than from being the stage expert. You’ll thrive on the variety too: one day you’re coaching a leadership team through a merger, the next you’re designing a workshop to improve employee engagement. And here’s a promising fact – process consulting skills are in high demand and widely respected. Many major firms and organizations prefer candidates with process consultation expertise when hiring OD specialists. These certifications and skills signal that you can handle complex change and engage stakeholders at all levels. Moreover, being adept in process consulting often means you’ve been trained in complementary areas like coaching, talent management, and business partnering, making you a well-rounded advisor.

Did You Know? On average, professionals with respected OD certifications (like ODPC) earn higher salaries – about 7.5% more – and often land more senior strategic roles, according to recent industry analyses. This reflects how valued OD process consulting skills are in today’s organizations, where managing change effectively can make or break success.

Ready to set yourself apart as a consultant who leads transformative change? The OD Process Certification Program equips you with the process consulting mindset, models, and tools to excel. Whether you come from HR, L&D, or are transitioning from another field such as education, obtaining your ODPC credentials will polish your natural people skills into powerful consulting expertise. 

Don’t settle for being just another consultant – become an OD Process Consultant who sparks lasting change. Visit our program page to learn more and enroll in the upcoming OD Process Certification Program. Your future clients (and your future self) will thank you for investing in this distinctive career path!