I am Troy Burg, an International Behavior Therapist (IBT) & Organizational Behavior Management Specialist (OBM). I am a graduate student at Pepperdine University, where I hope to acquire a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, one day. In 2022, I started Behavioral Stories LLC to build my online portfolio and network. That was the beginning of building my DREAM CASELOAD. Since then, I have received over 500 messages from others in the ABA field asking how they can find OBM opportunities. Therefore, today, I am here to answer one very popular question:
“Do opportunities in organizational behavior management (OBM) actually exist?”
First, let me tell you an OBM story. Then, we can come up with an answer.
Once upon a time, a small business struggled to meet its goals. The company had been successful in the past, but recently, it had experienced a decline in productivity and profits. The business owner was at a loss for what to do and was considering laying off employees to cut costs. One day, the owner met an Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) specialist, who explained how they could help the business. The OBM specialist explained that they could conduct an intervention to identify the root causes of the business's problems and develop a plan to address them (yes, an FBA). The owner was, rightfully, intrigued and agreed to work with the OBM specialist.
The specialist began by conducting a thorough analysis of the business's operations, interviewing employees, and reviewing performance data. They identified several areas where the business could improve, including communication, goal setting, and employee motivation. Using this information, the OBM specialist developed an individualized intervention plan for the business. They worked closely with the owner and employees to implement the plan, providing support and guidance along the way.
And the results were remarkable. The business began to see improvements in productivity and profits almost immediately! Employees were more motivated and engaged, and communication between departments improved significantly. The business was able to avoid layoffs and even began hiring new employees to meet the increased demand. Over time, the changes began to pay off. The company's profits started to increase, and they were able to attract new customers and expand their operations. The employees were more engaged and motivated, and the company culture became more positive and collaborative.
The OBM specialist continued to work with the business, providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure that the improvements were sustained over time. In ABA words, the OBM specialist was programming to generalize and maintain the pinpointed behaviors. The owner was grateful for the specialist's help, and credited them for saving the business from a potentially disastrous situation.
Due to the OBM specialist's intervention, the business was able to thrive once again. The owner learned the value of seeking outside help when facing challenges, and the employees understood the importance of working together as a team to achieve common goals. The OBM specialist had not only helped the business, but had also helped the community by preserving jobs and contributing to the local economy.
So to answer the question, opportunities in OBM DO NOT EXIST… unless you make them. No one will walk up and hand you a position in OBM just because you understand the principles of behavior. No one will let you conduct a full business intervention because you have experience overseeing a 30-client caseload. Sorry!
If you want to create a position in OBM, you must take ACTion and put yourself out there. It is as simple as that. Live with your values, control what you can control, and take ACTion. Creating work opportunities in OBM when they are extremely limited can be a challenging task.
However, there are a few strategies that can be helpful in this situation (Note: I have never had an opportunity in OBM, yet here is my plan):
Develop a strong network: One of the most effective ways to create work opportunities in OBM is to build a strong network within the industry. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in your field. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and colleagues.
Gain additional skills and certifications: Consider pursuing additional education or certifications that can make you stand out from other candidates. This could include certifications in behavior analysis or human resources management, or additional training in areas such as leadership development or team building.
Offer your services as a consultant: Consider offering your services as a consultant to organizations that may not have the resources to hire a full-time employee. This can be a great way to build your experience and reputation within the industry.
Look for non-traditional opportunities: Consider looking for work opportunities in related fields, such as human resources or management consulting. Many of the skills and knowledge required for organizational behavior management are transferable to these fields, and they may provide opportunities to work with organizations on similar issues.
Develop a portfolio of work: Build a portfolio of work that showcases your skills and experience in organizational behavior management. This could include case studies, papers, or other examples of your work. Having a strong portfolio can help you stand out to potential employers or clients.
It takes time, hard work, and leadership behavior even to get a CHANCE. Do you dare?
Find Troy here!
Instagram: @behavioralstories
TikTok: @behavioralstories
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