Conflict in OS and other questions

Tue Jul 14 08:40:47 PDT 1998

Kevin,

based on my experience in 5 Open Space events (between 18 and 120 people) as a
facilitator over the past 2 years, the issues expressed in your questions are
really non-issues. I say this because one of the principles in OS, the principle
of self-organizing systems is like a natural law and ALWAYS works. If a group
wants to meet at the pool (a bench in the park, in a bar, at Starbucks, or whatever
the local equivalent might be) so be it. It does not matter. Similarly your
question of the agenda that might not be filled up, no concern here.

Consider the possibility that your questions relate to "Who is in control and
who's expectations are being met". If you take yourself out of the equation (Get
out of the way, Harrison's 4th and last step in his 4 step advice to
facilitators) you basically guarantee that the groups will be successful.

One last comment, Open Space needs to be experienced. Do one. Books can only
partially describe what is really going on. Go to Harrison's workshops, they
provide the essence (and you'll have a blast). Don't confuse the menu with the meal.

good luck on your journey
Uwe

On 7/13/98, OSLIST wrote:
>Please add anything that you think might be useful to Kevin.  In
>particular,
>I suspect his question on conflicts in Open Space would benefit from a
>variety of viewpoints.
>
>Peg Holman
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Kevin O'Brien <kevinobrien at worldnet.att.net>
>>To: osi at tmn.com <osi at tmn.com>
>>Date: Wednesday, July 08, 1998 12:34 PM
>>Subject: Open Space Technology
>>
>>
>>>I just bought Harrison's User's Guide to OPT and devoured it in less
>than
>a
>>>day.
>>>
>>>What came to mind during the reading was if this could be used with
>>>conducting retreats for people interested in a particular topic such as:
>>>Passing on the family business; Story of a Man's Life; Being a Lawyer
>in
>>>Litigious Times; or whatever.
>>>
>>>I have a couple of questions though.
>>>
>>>Has it ever happened that not enough issues/concerns or opportunities
>were
>>>surfaced during the first session to fill all the time slots?  Also, how
>do
>>>you manage the time/space chart if a convener wants to meet at the
>pool
>>>instead of one of the designated break out rooms?  Have there ever
>been
>>>serious conflicts in one of the break out sessions and how was it
>handled?
>>>
>>>I would be very interested in knowing what your thoughts are on these
>>>possibilities and questions.  I'm eager to do one myself.  I've been a
>>>participant in a short OST workshop and found it to be a very good
>>>experience.
>>>
>>>Sincerely,
>>>
>>>Kevin O'Brien
>>>
>>
>>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Peggy Holman, Open Space Institute <osi at tmn.com>
>To: Kevin O'Brien <kevinobrien at worldnet.att.net>
>Date: Monday, July 13, 1998 8:37 AM
>Subject: Re: Open Space Technology
>
>
>>Kevin,
>>
>>Sorry for the slow response.  I just returned from vacation last night and
>>am catching up on e-mail.  I'm glad you're excited by Open Space.  The
>>topics you listed all sound quite feasible.  What makes OS work is
>passion
>>and responsibility, so when people care, they come and participate.
>Open
>>Space is a great approach for bringing people together to create what
>they
>>want.
>>
>>On your questions, the answers are pretty straightforward:
>>
>>>Has it ever happened that not enough issues/concerns or opportunities
>were
>>>surfaced during the first session to fill all the time slots?
>>
>>Posting sessions isn't that exacting.  There may be plenty of time slots
>>left over.  Sometimes there may be more sessions than anticipated by
>the
>>time/space matrix.  The important thing is the conversations people are
>>interested in holding.  The number of sessions are simply the
>manifestation
>>of what is important to people to spend time on.
>>
>>Also, how do
>>>you manage the time/space chart if a convener wants to meet at the
>pool
>>>instead of one of the designated break out rooms?
>>
>>During the opening, I'll generally let people know that if they want to
>move
>>their session or hold it in a different place, write it on the page so
>>people know where to go.  If they are moving, they can also leave a note
>on
>>the door of the original space.  Again, the quality of conversation or
>>activity is what's important.  The logistics are best kept as simple as
>>possible with people using their own good judgment and following what
>has
>>heart and meaning for them.
>>
>>Have there ever been
>>>serious conflicts in one of the break out sessions and how was it
>handled?
>>
>>There are many serious and passionate conversations between people
>with
>>deeply conflicted views that have taken place in Open Space.  If, by
>>conflict, you mean physical violence, I have never personally
>experienced
>>that nor heard of anyone who has.  I have heard Harrison Owen say he
>>believes this is the case because of the Law of Two Feet.  If someone is
>hot
>>enough to get physical, they have the option to walk away and cool off.
>>
>>This is a good question for the Open Space e-mail list.  I'm going to
>send
>>it on and will copy you on that.
>>
>>You might want to take a look at some of the materials on the OS web
>site
>if
>>you haven't already:  www.tmn.com/openspace
>>
>>Please write or call if I can be of further help,
>>
>>Peg Holman
>>Open Space Institute
>>
>
>
>
>
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>Subject:      Conflict in OS and other questions
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