In Appreciation of OS & It works

[Larry Peterson]

I want to report some exciting momentum that is continuing to build in
Ontario, Canada (and I think across Canada with Open Space).  So much has
been happing or is to come in the next two months that I have not had time
to write stories.

For example, Sharon King has brought me in to one large provincial ministry
(with some others following behind) which is Opening Space for various types
of gatherings, from financial planning, IT implementation, cross
jurisdictional community building, establishing communities of practice with
regard to agility.  One group is looking at Open Space every 2 months.
Another for forums involving business and government across the province.
One will likely be a 400 person event for all the employees in an IT
project.

A key transformational leader in the government systems is developing a
community "organism" between government and business to ensure ubiquitous
electronic interaction with a philosophy similar to Dee Hock and VISA.  Open
Space has helped that community get started. I expect this to be a most
interesting journey.

In addition, the calls keep coming in of people wanting to Open Space and I
know Diane Gibeault and others are experiencing some of the same.  People
who have experienced Open Space or heard about it are calling from
fascinating locations to explore or develop Open Space:  Educational
associations, Colleges of health practioners, Police finance departments.
The Governor General's Y2K study conference next month will include 1.5 days
in Open Space with Diane Gibeault and I facilitating.

In addition, an organizaiton focused on housing the homeless is doing an
Open Space on gay positive housing for homeless youth next weekend.

I just completed a pre-conference workshop for IAF on how Open Space
transforms our understanding of facilitation.  It was a bit too far out for
them, but 8 hardy folks came and most of them were not going to the rest of
the conference.  Again Open Space worked when I wasn't sure.  After
developing a joint theme (the way we have done at the OSI part of OSonOS)
the group went for an afternoon and the next morning in Open Space.  The
overnight was critical to the breakthroughs.  The ah ha's that next morning
were the high point and the reflection with me for the afternoon was part of
the "translation" rather than the "experience" but most were eager for that
after the experience.

A culture of exploring Open Space seems to be emerging in Ontario and I
think across Canada.  For me the key is helping key leaders and
organizations being to really learn what is possible for the experience of
Open Space and shift toward self-organizing, spirited organizations.  I find
Dee Hock's book, The Chaordic Age, full of great insights and it doesn't
hurt that it is VISA he is describing.

Is my optimism off the wall this Friday evening?? Could be I'm just over
tired but I sense that something is happening.

Larry

Larry Peterson
Associates in Transformation
41 Appleton Ave., Toronto, ON,
Canada, M6E 3A4
Tel:/Fax: 416-653-4829

lpasoc at inforamp.net
http://www.inforamp.net/~lpasoc