Question to experienced OS users

Tue Apr 27 08:33:52 PDT 1999

Sorry, I'm still learning how to participate on list serves and not sure how to send this back just to you, Birgitt.

Thank you very much Birgitt, for your thoughts and response.  What you outlined is exactly what we didn't do enough of!.  Ah, the learning process.  My colleague was the one "grounded" and "trained" in using OS and I was limited in knowing the pitfalls to challenge and the questions to ask.  

from a  fellow Canadian, Birgitt -- I grew up in a little town -- La Salle -- outside of Windsor.  Small world, eh?

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

INERCOR, Training & Consulting Co.
"because change begins at the core"
P.O. Box 472
Vashon Island, WA  98070
Seattle Office:  (206) 244-1333
Vashon Office: (206) 463-4122
FAX:               (206) 463-4124
Pager:             (206) 955-4694
E-mail:            kdd at inercor.com
The information in this electronic mail message is privileged and
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    -----Original Message-----
    From: Birgitt Bolton <birgitt at WORLDCHAT.COM>
    To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
    Date: Tuesday, April 27, 1999 6:35 AM
    Subject: Re: Question to experienced OS users

    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.
        "because change begins at the core"
        P.O. Box 472
        Vashon Island, WA  98070
        Seattle Office:  (206) 244-1333
        Vashon Office: (206) 463-4122
        FAX:               (206) 463-4124
        Pager:             (206) 955-4694
        E-mail:            kdd at inercor.com
        The information in this electronic mail message is privileged and
        confidential.  It is intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named
        above.  If you received this transmission in error, you are hereby
        notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this
        communication is strictly prohibited.  Please notify our office
        immediately if you received this message in error.  If appropriate, we
        will reimburse for mail, fax, or telephone charges.

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