Question to experienced OS users

[Birgitt Bolton]

Hi Karen,
your question is a good one and it is why we emphasize working out the
"givens" so thoroughly ahead of time. I think that Jay's outline of what it
is he does with the client ahead of time is one of the best I've seen and
certainly encompasses much of what I do with every open space. It is the
sponsor, after all, that really opens the space and needs to determine how
much space is really being opened. I make a big point of saying to the
sponsors that it doesn't matter how much space is opened, even a teeny space
is okay---what matters is that they are TRUTHFUL about the amount of space.
This of course is done by establishing the "givens" very clearly including
what the process is for decision after the event. I build into every
contract time to work with the sponsors ahead of the event to clarify
accurate theme (the one they say they want up front and what they usually
really want are often not the same) and time to go through the "givens". The
process of sorting through the "givens" is much harder than one might think.
Mostly because it is about truth and clarity and many companies have a hard
time with this.  So, we take a day before the event to do this. And I build
in a day after the event to figure out how to make the most of it all once
the experience of OS has happened.

Warmest regards,
Birgitt

Birgitt Bolton of Dalar Associates
www.openspacetechnology.com
55 Ravina Cres., Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
 L9G 2E8
phone: 905-648-5775  fax: 905-648-2262


    -----Original Message-----
    From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Karen
du Four des Champs
    Sent: Monday, April 26, 1999 1:40 PM
    To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
    Subject: Question to experienced OS users


    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.
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    Karen du Four des Champs
    "a catalyst for change for our changing world"

    INERCOR, Training & Consulting Co.
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