open space and introverts theme

[Madeline Bakker]

I have been following the thread of this conversation, and wish to add my
thoughts.  Most writers in this discussion have talked about how they
themselves experience being in open space.  The introverts have spoken, and
they feel comfortable! :-) I have led a good number of events and there
have definitely been comments about participants not being heard, and a
feeling that convenors or participants have dominated and no one has the
skills to facilitate better discussion.  The law of two feet is great when
one wishes to leave and find something more satisfying, but some have said
that it is very disappointing to have to do that, when what they would
prefer is to have the discussion more satisfying in the session! To be more
directive to convenors goes against the principles of OS, so I don't know
how to get around this.

Since often an event is a one-shot deal and not an on-going process within
an organization, some participants have a hard time 'adjusting' to this new
way of being together (taking responsibility etc) and aren't able to learn
over the longer term to see its merits.  Although most people respond
favourably, I think that criticism should be looked at and discussed.  If I
am a quiet, less-than-secure person and I am a convenor, and someone in the
group dominates, or several do, I may not feel able to do anything about
it.  And I don't want to leave, because the issue is important to me.  It
is unrealistic to expect people to take charge and speak up if they are
unused to this process and don't have the confidence.

I tell people that the advantages of holding a conference or large meeting
in OS far outweighs the negatives, but I have been left wondering about
these niggling negatives, and I think they need careful consideration.

Cheers,
Madeline Bakker
   New PathWays
   Guelph, Ontario
   http://www.web.net/~pathways