Robert T. Golembiewski: Wit, wisdom, and exacting standards

Abstract

As a major contributor to the field of organization development and change, Robert T. Golembiewski was a perfectionist who drove himself and others to achieve their best. Although interaction with him was often tinged with tough criticism, going beyond his gruff exterior was a caring man with a wonderful sense of humor. He had the ability to write quickly with precision that got directly to the point he wanted to make in a colloquial style. For those of us fortunate to work with him, his sharp mind and prolific writing kept us busy reading and thinking about the past, present, and future direction of the field. Bob influenced all of us who knew him - and countless others who never met him - through his copious articles and books. This chapter will discuss his influences and motivations to enter the OD field, his key contributions - his intervention in the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), his work on burnout and stress, and his insights into the ramifications of different types of change - and how his work has influenced others. Emphasis will also be placed on the legacy he left behind, with suggestions for additional reading that will help the reader learn more about this prolific scholar and why he is considered a thought leader in organization development and change.