Purpose – To report the outcomes of an organizational change project at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, USA. Interactive planning and systems thinking provide a robust foundation for rethinking workplace activities, so as to prepare staff members for enhanced participation in an increasingly digital information environment. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology takes the form of a case study. Findings – Organizational development tools activate and extend participants' knowledge, skills, and abilities through purposeful dialogue that cultivates holistic perspectives. Enhanced appreciation of campus constituencies' differing needs and preferences, complimented by ongoing user-focused data collection and analysis, informs strategic systems and services redesign. This practice serves to promote continuous learning, even as it advances the organization's digital migration. Results-to-date suggest the efficacy of this staff development approach, which uses constructivist “building on what we know” learning strategies to develop nimble organizational responsiveness, amidst dynamically changing external circumstances. Originality/value – Provides information on a staff development approach