Theme vs Topics

[John Dicus]

>
>What advice do you have when topics are initiated during agenda
>setting, particularly the first one out of the chute, that are
>clearly not related to the stated theme?
>
Dear Dave,

"Sit, smile, and hold the space for whatever wants to happen. (period)"


Once in an OS for an IS/IT outfit, one guy convened a session on the unit's
logo.  He didn't like the shape or color or something.  The CIO frowned.
As it turns out, it was a well-attended session folks talked about their
very essence and how it was represented (or not) in the patch.  They talked
about relationships, what they cared most about in life & on the job... and
so on.


I've seen the same stuff come out of a dress-code session.  Maybe it's like
playback theater -- it offers a safe way to segue into risky areas.


I'm just thinking out loud here (maybe too much coffee)...  how about
inviting folks to convene a session that's 180 degrees opposed to the theme
-- as much in disagreement as possible.  I'd bet it ends up hitting the
real issues as well as "focussed" sessions.  Just a hunch.  Maybe its a way
of saying that if the right people come, you can't miss the mark. (unless
you close down the space).  Like in Ghost-Busters where the heros weren't
supposed to think of anything bad, and Dan Akroyd couldn't help thinking
about the Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man?


Watch & Learn are two good words to reflect on while saying nothing.

John

--
John Dicus  |  CornerStone Consulting Associates
- Leadership - Systems Thinking - Teamwork - Open Space - Electric Maze -
2761 Stiegler Road, Valley City, OH 44280
800-773-8017  |  330-725-2728 (2729 fax)
mailto:jdicus at ourfuture.com  |  http://www.ourfuture.com

*
*
==========================================================
OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
------------------------------
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu,
Visit:

http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html