Lessons from recent OS

[David Koehler]

Friends,

Just a reflection on our recent annual labor-management open space held at
Starved Rock State Park, just south of Chicago on the Illinois River.  Each
year we gather folks from labor and management throughout the state and do a
two day Open Space.  This year the participation was down.  We only had 14
registrations.  In addition to opening the space, I participated in the
discussions, because I had some issues I was passionate about and wanted to
discuss.

My issue was "Is this the last year for our annual Starved Rock Open Space."
Clearly, I was ready to throw in the towel.  (Translation: to not have the
event again).  As convener of the discussion I began by stating that if we
weren't going to get more participation from around the state then maybe
"it's over."

Well, to my surprise, the others in the discussion picked up the passion and
began to brainstorm about how to make this a more successful event.  What we
came up with was a whole list of things to do to assure the success of next
year's event.  I was so charged up after this discussion, I went to the
office of the Lodge and booked next years event, reserving 50 rooms.  And I
think now that maybe this won't even be enough.

After some reflection, I guess it proves once again that if I hog all the
passion and take all the responsibility, then no one else has to assume any.
Once I let go, then others came to the forefront.  This seems like such a
simple lesson, why must we learn it again and again?

In the closing circle, I thanked everyone for picking my spirits up and
giving me a renewed sense of excitment about something that I had thought had
become a burdon.  Isn't open space amazing.  Be prepared to be surprised.

Dave Koehler
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