Hom much planning and preparation time do you find you need?
Chris Corrigan
corcom at interchange.ubc.ca
Fri Feb 18 01:23:16 PST 2000
Harrison:
I actually got very interested in preparation after being in a workshop
with you a couple of years ago and hearing about your own preparation
rituals.
That started me thinking about things I do before facilitating anything
and especially before an Open Space. One thing I try to do if at all
possible is to play music with my friends. I play Irish Traditional
music (jigs and reels) predominately in a session environment. The
session is a curious space to be in. Like the rest of life it is
thoroughly infected with the principles of Open Space. We aim to reach
a tight groove, which means establishing a dissociated and shared
emotional centre for the music and holding it there -- another form of
holding the space. The reason for the tight groove is that it enables
the musicians to experiement with the music, and introduce small
variations and innovations to the tune. Irish dance music is a very
conservative and limited canvas, as only very small changes are
permitted, no outright improvisation. This constriction generally has
the same effect as writing poetry to a predetermined scheme, like the
A,B,C form of the contest we had last fall on this list.
Playing in a session the night efore an OS grounds me very securely in
the operational principles of holding the space. It's both a practice
session and an outlet, allowing me to unleash expression and creative
variation. I find this really helps with the opening which tends to be
a variation of my standard form. All essential preparation.
And that's just one example of something I try to do. Since the
workshop with Harrison that started my thinking on preparation I have
paid close attention to others who are resoponsible for opening and
holding space. I look to my partner, who is a tremendous mother and who
opens and holds space daily in our household for both my daughter and
I. She is predictably exhausted at the end of each day, and she uses
various techniques to reestablish her centre. Parenting with her is a
constant reminder of how important holding space is in life. It's good
preparation for doing OS too.
I have done some research into the preparation of National Hockey League
goalies who are renowned for their preparation rituals. So much rides
on their shoulders that they have to be perfectly prepared before every
game. And because hockey is as much a game of momentum as anything
else, goalies tend to play an important role in holding the space for
their team. Teams with great goalies are often said to be able to play
from the net out, in other words, the forwards and defenders can
concentrate on their game without worrying about pucks going in the
net. Skaters will use terms like "liberating" to describe a game played
in front of great goaltending. My sister was a very high class goalie,
almost making it to the national women's team, so I have some personal
experience with this area as well.
Finally, I have looked to some of the people I sweat with in traditional
sweat lodge ceremonies. (Being Irish and Ojibway opens one up to a lot
of cultural experiences!). People who run sweats are never said to be
"leading" them, unlike a preist or a Minister who "leads" a Church
service. Instead, people "run" sweats, and you can hardly find a more
pure form of opening and holding the space. Sweats are spaces that are
opened for tremendous things to occur within, like dealing with
emotional trauma, experiencing extremely visceral spiritual events and
so on. Anything can happen in a sweat. I was once in one where a man
passed out and lay unconscious for five minutes. When he came to he
told us what he had seen, which was that a bear had grabbed him and
taken him out of the sweat lodge and showed him a vision which he then
shared with us. Ursa Spiritualis as the ultimate space invader! People
who run sweats have to leave the space open and hold it very carefully
for things like that to happen.
All of this research has made me aware that preparation is critical to
charge myself up in exactly the way that Harrison has described. I
think that the more you surround yourself in situations where you are
aware that you are holding space, the better prepared you will be. It
goes to the heart of Ralph's conclusions. I have found that since I
have been doing OS events on a regular basis it has required me to live
my life in constant awareness of the potential of opened space, and the
critical and sometimes sacred trust that comes with holding it open.
Chris
Harrison wrote:
"All of which raise (for me) a very serious issue. Creating space and
holding space takes a lot out of you. Which means there
must be a lot there to start, it is essential to conserve energy as you
go along, and when its over -- you are going to need a
break. As we all know, this is not about "doing" a whole mess of things.
God forbid -- if we tried to operate in Open Space
with the sorts of behaviors we used to use (taking care of all the
details etc) --- ultimate fatigue would be the best result. Rigor
mortis is more likely.
Keep napping Chris.
Harrison"
--
CHRIS CORRIGAN
108-1035 Pacific Street
Vancouver BC
V6E 4G7
Phone: 604.683.3080
Fax: 604.683-3036
>From Fri Feb 18 10:39:02 2000
Message-Id: <FRI.18.FEB.2000.103902.0100.>
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2000 10:39:02 +0100
Reply-To: florianfischer at ff-wey.com
To: OSLIST <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Florian Fischer <florianfischer at ff-wey.com>
Subject: Re: You call this planning!!??
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ralphsc schrieb:
> ........ It's my experience that many, maybe most, participants do not decide how they'll be in open space based on the behavior they observe in the facilitator. If they did, the space wouldn't be truly open. It would be too dependent on who I am.
>
> The lesson for me is not that preparation matters little. It matters a lot. But in my case, if I'm any good at doing this work, it's because the preparation I have done over the years in whatever ways I may have done it (unconscious as well as deliberate) has been more important than things I do just before I help open space. What is the preparation that I've been doing all these years? Beats the hell out of me.
>
> Ralph Copleman
dear friends,
i only read this comment of my friend ralph
(because all my time in these days is occupied on developing
a project in berlin relating to that what happens in austria.
maybe that i´ll need some advice in the near future)
that story is deeply touching my own experience.
an answer to that question about lifelong preparation may be:
the preparation is the growths of conciousness
about the priority of listening, listening, listening,
serving, serving on that what happens on itself, finding answers within
the questions only by bringing light of awareness on that what happens.
giving space to the now within my own,
to enable the energy of the universe, including men,
to come and go through.
the less i intend to do the more is flowing.
i´m still on preparation.
florian fischer
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<p>ralphsc schrieb:
<blockquote TYPE=CITE>........ It's my experience that many, maybe most,
participants do not decide how they'll be in open space based on the behavior
they observe in the facilitator. If they did, the space wouldn't
be truly open. It would be too dependent on who I am.
<p>The lesson for me is not that preparation matters little. It matters
a lot. But in my case, if I'm any good at doing this work, it's because
the preparation I have done over the years in whatever ways I may have
done it (unconscious as well as deliberate) has been more important than
things I do just before I help open space. <b> What is the preparation
that I've been doing all these years? </b>Beats the hell out of me<b>.</b>
<p>Ralph Copleman</blockquote>
<p><br>dear friends,
<p>i only read this comment of my friend ralph
<p>(because all my time in these days is occupied on developing
<br>a project in berlin relating to that what happens in austria.
<br>maybe that i´ll need some advice in the near future)
<p>that story is deeply touching my own experience.
<p>an answer to that question about lifelong preparation may be:
<br>the preparation is the growths of conciousness
<br>about the priority of listening, listening, listening,
<br>serving, serving on that what happens on itself, finding answers
within
<br>the questions only by bringing light of awareness on that what happens.
<br>giving space to the now within my own,
<br>to enable the energy of the universe, including men,
<br>to come and go through.
<br>the less i intend to do the more is flowing.
<br>i´m still on preparation.
<p>florian fischer
<br> </html>
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>From Fri Feb 18 11:28:29 2000
Message-Id: <FRI.18.FEB.2000.112829.0100.>
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2000 11:28:29 +0100
Reply-To: florianfischer at ff-wey.com
To: OSLIST <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Florian Fischer <florianfischer at ff-wey.com>
Subject: Re: One More Thing Not To Do
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Harrison Owen schrieb:
> just think of one more thing not to do, and don't do it.
>
> harrison,
> i don´t give applause,
> trying to do one more less.
>
> and
> at the end,
> i`ll try not to die,
> because finally that will be the only "thing"
> not to be done.
>
> should to appear like a bad joke.
> but i´m not joking.
>
> that message, you are giving,
> is touching indeed
> the deepest fear withinst ourselves.
> because as western people
> we are trained to do, to be alive,
> in contrary not-doing seems not-to-be-alive.
> thats it.
>
> "it happens"
> may be the "wey"
> between doing and not-doing.
>
> it´s a hard work
> i´´m trying.
> thank you.
>
> florian
>
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<p>Harrison Owen schrieb:
<blockquote TYPE=CITE> <b> just think of one more thing not to do,
and don't do it.</b>
<p>harrison,
<br>i don´t give applause,
<br>trying to do one more less.
<p>and
<br>at the end,
<br>i`ll try not to die,
<br>because finally that will be the only "thing"
<br>not to be done.
<p>should to appear like a bad joke.
<br>but i´m not joking.
<p>that message, you are giving,
<br>is touching indeed
<br>the deepest fear withinst ourselves.
<br>because as western people
<br>we are trained to <b>do</b>, to be alive,
<br>in contrary not-doing seems not-to-be-alive.
<br>thats it.
<p>"it happens"
<br>may be the "wey"
<br>between doing and not-doing.<br>
<br>
it´s a hard work<br>
i´´m trying.<br>
thank you.
<p>florian
<br> </blockquote>
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>From Fri Feb 18 12:33:47 2000
Message-Id: <FRI.18.FEB.2000.123347.0500.>
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2000 12:33:47 -0500
Reply-To: lpasoc at inforamp.net
To: OSLIST <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Larry Peterson <lpasoc at inforamp.net>
Subject: Re: How much planning and preparation time do you find you need?
In-Reply-To: <4.1.20000217080228.009f9dd0 at pop.mindspring.com>
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To prepare for an Open Space event, I agree with Chris and Harrison that it
takes a day or two of planning and personal preparation, depending on the
client. A day of follow-up is a goal with clients, I also encourage
follow-up Open Space events and some say yes and some no. This is especially
true if it is a conference or meeting.
Some of my clients require other conversations to create the conditions and
theme for space that is focused and really open. They need to translate and
clarify what they want, particularly if the sponsoring group is a "strategic
alliace" of organizations. With those groups coming up with a theme, givens
and clear parameters for action can take a number of days.
Some clients do not come to me for Open Space but for the pursing of a whole
system change. They are not ready to allow everything to emerge, but want
clear intention or focus to frame the emergent. Sometimes they have to let
go of some things before they are ready to Open Space. Or, we discover that
Open Space is not the way to go in their situation.
Larry
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<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2>To=20
prepare for an Open Space event, I agree with Chris and Harrison that it =
takes a=20
day or two of planning and personal preparation, depending on the =
client. A day=20
of follow-up is a goal with clients, I also encourage follow-up Open =
Space=20
events and some say yes and some no. This is especially true if it is a=20
conference or meeting.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2>Some=20
of my clients require other conversations to create the conditions and =
theme for=20
space that is focused and really open. They need to translate and =
clarify what=20
they want, particularly if the sponsoring group is a "strategic=20
alliace" of organizations. With those groups coming up with a =
theme, givens=20
and clear parameters for action can take a number of days. =20
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2>Some=20
clients do not come to me for Open Space but for the pursing of a whole =
system=20
change. They are not ready to allow everything to emerge, but want clear =
intention or focus to frame the emergent. Sometimes they have to let go =
of some=20
things before they are ready to Open Space. Or, we discover that Open =
Space is=20
not the way to go in their situation.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2>Larry</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D850212422-17022000><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial =
size=3D2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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>From Fri Feb 18 14:30:20 2000
Message-Id: <FRI.18.FEB.2000.143020.0500.>
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2000 14:30:20 -0500
Reply-To: birgitt at worldchat.com
To: OSLIST <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Birgitt Williams <birgitt at worldchat.com>
Subject: Re: One More Thing Not To Do
In-Reply-To: <4.1.20000217161544.009cff10 at pop.mindspring.com>
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Different viewpoints in the Open Space of this universe add to our vast
treasure of life. My friend Ward often says that if we each agree with each
other, more than one of us is not needed. (this phrase may serve him well in
our married life :-))
I have been following the discussion on advanced planning and on Harrison's
"one more thing not to do". I agree that once the space is opened it is up
to the facilitator to get out of the way, to hold the space and so on. And I
highly endorse personal practices of getting to a state where the
facilitator respects the wisdom of the group, and doesn't get their own
stuff (particularly need to fix) in the way. And personal preparation is
different for each of us, and a lifetime practice just for really living.
Whatever works, do it. I call this making genuine contact ---with Source
(Spirit, however interpreted), with a collective (group/organization), with
one other, and with the self. And living from that place.
I also know that the actual opening of space--the circle, the words, and not
letting space invaders take over is very very controlling and not open at
all. Does anyone dare admit how controlled and controlling the opening is?
Not at all in the land of being open. Interestingly, to get really open, one
needs to control the making of the container for the opening. And then I see
that the stage of convergence is also very controlled. Bunker/Alban said
this is not Open Space Technology and so it is just an add on that Harrison
thought of after the fact. I personally see it as very much a part of Open
Space Technology and don't close the circle until after we know what the
priorities are for the collective, and what next steps they want to take on
those. Which takes me to an interesting story. I remember working with
Harrison at a conference. It is one we have each told the tale of a number
of times because there was so much conflict and we each had to really stay
out of it and hold the space and at the end, a co alition was formed,
conflict had been addressed well, and the group gave great thanks to each of
us for how we held the space. But a part of the story I haven't told often
is the part to do with convergence and moving things to next steps. Even
though at that point I had attended about 4 of Harrison's training sessions,
had previously worked with him, and been in many discussions with him, I had
never heard of this convergence. It didn't appear in the first version of
the users guide. and only has about a paragraph in the current
version.So....we were in the final morning of the Open Space and the next
thing I knew, voting was happening using computers, we were whipping flip
chart stands around the room and quickly writing on them. Busy, busy action
to get things moving as the group voted and then broke into action intended
groupings. Once I caught my breath, I asked Harrison what this was. He
replied "convergence" as though I should have known about it and he was
perplexed that I didn't. I said he'd never mentioned it before. All of this
activity is also controlled, using traditional facilitation practices
although shifting them a bit to be congruent with the values of Open Space
Technology. So, there is the really OPEN SPACE and there is the total
picture of Open Space Technology and they are not the same, at least in my
experience.
Having said that, I continue to encourage personal preparation as spoken
about by others. It is ONE important aspect of facilitating Open Space
Technology well. To understand the art of being, and not doing. Which allows
us to experience Spirit.
I also encourage that theme, givens, and logistics get worked out up front.
And in the process, as Larry says, one might find that there is more work to
be done to create the organizational conditions for Open Space Technology.
Or one might find that OST is not the best way to go. The way I look at this
is that it really is the sponsor that opens the space in the organization.
We are merely the facilitators who facilitate (open the space) an Open Space
Technology meeting. They live with their organization before the event. They
open the space for it to happen. They live with the aftermath be it good or
bad. I want to equip them with the best that I have to offer so that they
too can attend to their personal preparation and organizational preparation
for Open Space Technology to do its work. And for space to be opened, if
only for a short while, enabling whatever is needed to be experienced. I
have respect for sponsors as human beings and know they will go through a
number of things, generally including personal fear. I can't and don't want
to take this away from them, but like a good midwife, I can prepare them for
it, and tell them it is normal, when it is happening.
I continue to encourage that Open Space Technology be well done, which will
be different for each of us as we bring our unique gifts. There is no
"right" way, but we can give it our best. It is one of the reasons why I
have such a strong commitment to having developed and leading a "training"
program. Through it, I share my experiences, my preparation with sponsors
and why, how I work with sponsors in a debrief meeting, as well as emphasing
both essence and form. I am running with my passion and with that for which
I am prepared to take responsibility.
I don't get into thinking of "one more thing not to do". I don't want to
limit myself from finding one more thing that I might want to do if it is
from my heart, in keeping with Open Space principles. I realize that people
using the Law of Two Feet applies to their reaction to me too. I focus my
energies and efforts on truth, authenticity, non-judgement, and making
genuine contact--me making genuine contact, me assisting others to make
genuine contact. Including assisting a group to create the conditions for
Open Space Technology to be used. Including assisting them in clarifying
what the parameters for the Open Space are. If this is seen as too much
traditional interference, I plead guilty as charged. If this is seen as an
approach that works/has the potential of working, I invite you to do a
learning journey with me and whoever else shows up in that group (we learn
from one another).
Birgitt
Birgitt Williams
Make Genuine Contact!
Dalar Associates: organizational
effectiveness consultants
Striving for Success? Ready to exceed
your expectations?
Contact us for consulting services, training,
conference and meeting facilitation,
and keynote speaking.
www.openspacetechnology.com
-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Harrison
Owen
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2000 5:25 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: One More Thing Not To Do
Bitgitt's most recent note said or implied some nice things about me, a
few of which might actually be true --
"One other element I have brought into some training sessions that I have
done with Harrison, when I interrupt him to do a stage whisper with
participants: there are those things to do with Open Space Technology that
Harrison and only Harrison can do/get away with because he is Harrison. And
then there is the real world for the rest of us and sometimes we have a few
extra steps :-) " B. Williams
At least I thought they might be nice, but how-some-ever, I do want to
take small issue. Particularly about those things which I alone can do -- or
get away with.
I am not so modest to as to be blind to some of the special quirks I may
bring to Open Space, and the position of founder does provide a certain
licence to innovate.
However, I am absolutely convinced that there is nothing that I do or,
don't do, that can't equally well be done (not done) by just about anybody
else -- should they care to.
This is not about the details, and certainly not about mimicking all my
moves and words. God forbid. It is about being authentically who you are in
such a fashion that space is opened, and folks are truly invited to the
dance. So, to do what I do is not to be what I be. Rather it is to be you --
fully and completely. And that, of course, only you can do.
Needless to say, I can't tell you how to do that -- but I do have a
suggestion. Something that has worked for me over the years. It's simple,
just think of one more thing not to do, and don't do it.
Many people newly arrived in Open Space as facilitators try ever so hard
to get it all "right." There is some value in this if only because we --
that is all of us over the years -- have learned a few things which new
folks might as well take advantage of (start in a circle, create a bulletin
board, open the market place, get out of the way). It is probably a good
place to start. But don't stop there.
My learning has been that a lot of what gets done additionally
accomplishes two useful, but not central goals. It keeps the sponsor happy
(he/she thinks you are doing something) and it keeps the facilitator happy
(you have something to DO.)
Not bad. But there is a price tag. Any time you do something, particularly
something that is "right," you run the risk of throwing a veil over that
critical contribution only you can make -- which is you just being there.
Anyhow, I think I do "Harrison" pretty well. Somehow he appeared from
underneath all that stuff that I had been taught to do, felt was "right to
do," sensed I ought to do. It isn't perfect, but it feels better and better
particularly when I think of one more thing not to do. Try it, you might
like it.
Harrison
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
phone 301-469-9269
fax 301-983-9314
website
www.mindspring.com/~owenhh
Open Space Institute websites
www.openspaceworld.org
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<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000>Different viewpoints in the Open Space of =
this universe=20
add to our vast treasure of life. My friend Ward often says that if we =
each=20
agree with each other, more than one of us is not needed. (this phrase =
may serve=20
him well in our married life :-))</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN =
class=3D150294618-18022000>I have=20
been following the discussion on advanced planning and on Harrison's =
"one more=20
thing not to do". I agree that once the space is opened it is up to the=20
facilitator to get out of the way, to hold the space and so on. And I =
highly=20
endorse personal practices of getting to a state where the facilitator =
respects=20
the wisdom of the group, and doesn't get their own stuff (particularly =
need to=20
fix) in the way. And personal preparation is different for each of us, =
and a=20
lifetime practice just for really living. Whatever works, do it. I =
call=20
this making genuine contact ---with Source (Spirit, however =
interpreted), with a=20
collective (group/organization), with one other, and with the self. And =
living=20
from that place.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN =
class=3D150294618-18022000>I also=20
know that the actual opening of space--the circle, the words, and not =
letting=20
space invaders take over is very very controlling and not open at all. =
Does=20
anyone dare admit how controlled and controlling the opening is? Not at =
all in=20
the land of being open. Interestingly, to get really open, one needs to =
control=20
the making of the container for the opening. And then I see that the =
stage of=20
convergence is also very controlled. Bunker/Alban said this is not Open =
Space=20
Technology and so it is just an add on that Harrison thought of after =
the fact.=20
I personally see it as very much a part of Open Space Technology and =
don't close=20
the circle until after we know what the priorities are for the =
collective, and=20
what next steps they want to take on those. Which takes me to an =
interesting=20
story. I remember working with Harrison at a conference. It is one we =
have each=20
told the tale of a number of times because there was so much conflict =
and we=20
each had to really stay out of it and hold the space and at the end, a =
co=20
alition was formed, conflict had been addressed well, and the group gave =
great=20
thanks to each of us for how we held the space. But a part of the story =
I=20
haven't told often is the part to do with convergence and moving =
things to=20
next steps. Even though at that point I had attended about 4 of =
Harrison's=20
training sessions, had previously worked with him, and been in many =
discussions=20
with him, I had never heard of this convergence. It didn't appear in the =
first=20
version of the users guide. and only has about a paragraph in the =
current=20
version.So....we were in the final morning of the Open Space and the =
next thing=20
I knew, voting was happening using computers, we were whipping flip =
chart stands=20
around the room and quickly writing on them. Busy, busy action to get =
things=20
moving as the group voted and then broke into action intended groupings. =
Once I=20
caught my breath, I asked Harrison what this was. He replied =
"convergence" as=20
though I should have known about it and he was perplexed that I didn't. =
I said=20
he'd never mentioned it before. All of this activity is also controlled, =
using=20
traditional facilitation practices although shifting them a bit to be =
congruent=20
with the values of Open Space Technology. So, there is the really OPEN =
SPACE and=20
there is the total picture of Open Space Technology and they are not the =
same,=20
at least in my experience.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN =
class=3D150294618-18022000>Having=20
said that, I continue to encourage personal preparation as spoken about =
by=20
others. It is ONE important aspect of facilitating Open Space Technology =
well.=20
To understand the art of being, and not doing. Which allows us to =
experience=20
Spirit.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN =
class=3D150294618-18022000>I also=20
encourage that theme, givens, and logistics get worked out up front. And =
in the=20
process, as Larry says, one might find that there is more work to be =
done to=20
create the organizational conditions for Open Space Technology. Or one =
might=20
find that OST is not the best way to go. The way I look at this is that =
it=20
really is the sponsor that opens the space in the organization. We are =
merely=20
the facilitators who facilitate (open the space) an Open Space =
Technology=20
meeting. They live with their organization before the event. They open =
the space=20
for it to happen. They live with the aftermath be it good or bad. I want =
to=20
equip them with the best that I have to offer so that they too can =
attend to=20
their personal preparation and organizational preparation for Open Space =
Technology to do its work. And for space to be opened, if only for a =
short=20
while, enabling whatever is needed to be experienced. I have respect for =
sponsors as human beings and know they will go through a number of =
things,=20
generally including personal fear. I can't and don't want to take this =
away from=20
them, but like a good midwife, I can prepare them for it, and tell them =
it is=20
normal, when it is happening.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN =
class=3D150294618-18022000>I=20
continue to encourage that Open Space Technology be well done, which =
will be=20
different for each of us as we bring our unique gifts. There is no =
"right" way,=20
but we can give it our best. It is one of the reasons why I have such a =
strong=20
commitment to having developed and leading a "training" program. Through =
it, I=20
share my experiences, my preparation with sponsors and why, how I work =
with=20
sponsors in a debrief meeting, as well as emphasing both essence and =
form. I am=20
running with my passion and with that for which I am prepared to take=20
responsibility. </SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN =
class=3D150294618-18022000>I=20
don't get into thinking of "one more thing not to do". I don't want to =
limit=20
myself from finding one more thing that I might want to do if it is from =
my=20
heart, in keeping with Open Space principles. I realize that people =
using the=20
Law of Two Feet applies to their reaction to me too. I focus my energies =
and=20
efforts on truth, authenticity, non-judgement, and making genuine =
contact--me=20
making genuine contact, me assisting others to make genuine contact. =
Including=20
assisting a group to create the conditions for Open Space Technology to =
be used.=20
Including assisting them in clarifying what the parameters for the Open =
Space=20
are. If this is seen as too much traditional interference, I plead =
guilty=20
as charged. If this is seen as an approach that works/has the potential =
of=20
working, I invite you to do a learning journey with me and whoever else =
shows up=20
in that group (we learn from one another).</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#0000ff face=3DArial size=3D2><SPAN=20
class=3D150294618-18022000>Birgitt</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>Birgitt Williams</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>Make Genuine =
Contact!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>Dalar Associates: =
organizational=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>effectiveness =
consultants</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>Striving for Success? Ready to =
exceed=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>your expectations?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>Contact us for consulting =
services,=20
</FONT><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>training, </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>conference and meeting =
facilitation,=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2>and keynote =
speaking.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Arial Black" size=3D2><A=20
href=3D"http://www.openspacetechnology.com/">www.openspacetechnology.com<=
/A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE style=3D"MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV class=3DOutlookMessageHeader><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman"=20
size=3D2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> OSLIST=20
[mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]<B>On Behalf Of</B> Harrison=20
Owen<BR><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, February 17, 2000 5:25 PM<BR><B>To:</B> =
OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU<BR><B>Subject:</B> One More Thing Not =
To=20
Do<BR><BR></DIV></FONT>Bitgitt's most recent note said or implied some =
nice=20
things about me, a few of which might actually be true --<BR><BR><FONT =
color=3D#0000ff>"One other element I have brought into some training =
sessions=20
that I have done with Harrison, when I interrupt him to do a stage =
whisper=20
with participants: there are those things to do with Open Space =
Technology=20
that Harrison and only Harrison can do/get away with because he is =
Harrison.=20
And then there is the real world for the rest of us and sometimes we =
have a=20
few extra steps :-)</FONT> " B. Williams<BR><BR>At least I thought =
they might=20
be nice, but how-some-ever, I do want to take small issue. =
Particularly about=20
those things which I alone can do -- or get away with. <BR><BR>I am =
not so=20
modest to as to be blind to some of the special quirks I may bring to =
Open=20
Space, and the position of founder does provide a certain licence to=20
innovate.<BR><BR>However, I am absolutely convinced that there is =
nothing that=20
I do or, don't do, that can't equally well be done (not done) by just =
about=20
anybody else -- should they care to. <BR><BR>This is not about the =
details,=20
and certainly not about mimicking all my moves and words. God forbid. =
It is=20
about being authentically who you are in such a fashion that space is =
opened,=20
and folks are truly invited to the dance. So, to do what I do is not =
to be=20
what I be. Rather it is to be you -- fully and completely. And that, =
of=20
course, only you can do.<BR><BR>Needless to say, I can't tell you how =
to do=20
that -- but I do have a suggestion. Something that has worked for me =
over the=20
years. It's simple, just think of one more thing not to do, and don't =
do=20
it.<BR><BR>Many people newly arrived in Open Space as facilitators try =
ever so=20
hard to get it all "right." There is some value in this if only =
because we --=20
that is all of us over the years -- have learned a few things which =
new folks=20
might as well take advantage of (start in a circle, create a bulletin =
board,=20
open the market place, get out of the way). It is probably a good =
place to=20
start. But don't stop there.<BR><BR>My learning has been that a lot of =
what=20
gets done additionally accomplishes two useful, but not central goals. =
It=20
keeps the sponsor happy (he/she thinks you are doing something) and it =
keeps=20
the facilitator happy (you have something to DO.)<BR><BR>Not bad. But =
there is=20
a price tag. Any time you do something, particularly something that is =
"right," you run the risk of throwing a veil over that critical =
contribution=20
only you can make -- which is you just being there.<BR><BR>Anyhow, I =
think I=20
do "Harrison" pretty well. Somehow he appeared from underneath all =
that stuff=20
that I had been taught to do, felt was "right to do," sensed I =
ought to=20
do. It isn't perfect, but it feels better and better particularly when =
I think=20
of one more thing not to do. Try it, you might like=20
it.<BR><BR>Harrison<BR><BR><BR><BR> <BR><BR>
<DIV align=3Dcenter>Harrison Owen<BR>7808 River Falls =
Drive<BR>Potomac, MD=20
20854<BR>USA<BR>phone 301-469-9269<BR>fax 301-983-9314<BR>website =
<BR><A=20
href=3D"http://www.mindspring.com/~owenhh"=20
eudora=3D"autourl">www.mindspring.com/~owenhh</A><BR>Open Space =
Institute=20
websites<BR><A href=3D"http://www.openspaceworld.org/"=20
=
eudora=3D"autourl">www.openspaceworld.org</A><BR></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BOD=
Y></HTML>
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