Question to experienced OS users

[Karen du Four des Champs]

I facilitated a 3 day Retreat for a client using a day and a half of Open Space with another colleague a year ago.  Months later, the client retained me to continue some aspects of the work we began the year before, including assuring the OS notes and recommendations were distributed to all.  Some of the work that was to occur by the client in terms assuring all convenors followed through did not occur consistently.  

Now, I'm spending alot of time working to "clean up many of the assumptions" we put out during the OS process.  Our fundamental assumption (confirmed with the division chief) that staff were "truly empowered" to convene a session and follow through with their recommendations had several barriers (not all of which we, as facilitators could be aware of at the time) i.e.. legal constraints, budgetary constraints and most fundamental and intrinsic was that this group was just a micro of a macro org that has a systemic culture of "hierarchical decision making," so although the division chief was supportive of this process of accountability, there were those recommendations (stated above) that could not be carried out and thus it appears to participants that this process was just lip service.  My main lesson in all of this was in tee-ing up the process with clearer directions given the systems limitations.

Anyone have thoughts of wisdom or ideas to share to minimize the long-term impact of the process "backfiring."   I will be facilitating their next process next week.  Thank you.
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Karen du Four des Champs
"a catalyst for change for our changing world"

INERCOR, Training & Consulting Co.
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