Ideas for 4 hour exec coaching session prior to OS

Chris Kloth kloth at TMN.COM
Sat Feb 14 07:29:10 PST 1998


Kay,

My question in reading and responding to your request regarding exec
coaching sessions is how and why the exec(s) chose open space: knowingly
from other choices because other consultants offered other methods or
because you explained why you chose open space to offer or what?

I suppose this question is rooted in the fact that, while open space is
one of my favorite methods, it is not my only method and (at the risk of
sounding like a heretic to some) I don't think it's the best alternative
for every situation.

My method of entering into a new client relationship (which I assume is
fairly typical) is to listen carefully to their story of their situation
and then share with them what methods may fit in their situation and why
and what the pluses and minuses of each are.  This is the time when I
have an opportunity to deal with process resistance.

I often use a four meeting before the event to address the following
agenda items:

        * Affirm commitment to the method
        * Clarify the focus/theme: Broad enough to be inclusive,
narrow enough to be either actionable or differentiate it from "just
another conversation about the same old thing."
        * Clarify strategies for assuring wide participation, including people
who may not feel welcome
        * Logistics

I will stop now, since I am not sure either of these responds to your
need.  Is any of this helpful?  I would love to know what others do, so
I am respoding to the list.

Chris Kloth




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